Conran

VIDEO: How to take the stress out of moving The Guild of Property Professionals
Between packing your things and preparing for your first night in a new home, moving house takes a lot of organisation, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to take the stress out of moving.
Stay organised ... Pack by room and decide when and how you will organise your things. Organise your belongings into boxes and plan how they will fit in the moving van.
Start packing as soon as you can. Choose non-essential items
Read more at http://qoo.ly/ttusu
See More

Which room convinces you to buy? The Guild of Property Professionals
When you step into a house there is naturally one room which buyers gravitate towards. The important question is, which room convinces you to buy? If you’re looking to sell your home it is useful to know which room to prioritise for open houses, images of the property or facts about your home.
Read what some of our Guild agents had to say about their experiences of which rooms convinces people to buy.
... Simon Davies, Branch Manager of Norman F Brown said: “I believe the kitchen is the heart of a home. The current trend is a space where everyone can be together. Historically this was the sitting room, but recently there is a shift to living kitchens, especially if there is an open-plan design with the sitting room. The best kitchen I have seen interlinks the garden with French Doors or Modern Bi Folds to bring the outside in and make the garden more inclusive.”
Simon Bradbury, Managing Director of Thomas Morris said: “The room which I believe most convinces a buyer to purchase a home is the hallway, although it’s not technically a “room”. Normally, it’s the very first internal part of a property that a buyer will see. Therefore, the hallways establishes the tone for their experience with the rest of the property by setting a positive or negative level of expectancy. The hall should be bright and feel warm (or cool depending on the time of year) and inviting. Clutter should be put away to make the area appear more spacious. Air fresheners, diffusers, scented candles or flowers are simple, but effective methods to enhance a buyer’s first impression of a property.”
Read more at http://qoo.ly/ttpz2
See More

How mum Caroline Hirons, 49, became one of the most influential women in beauty Daily Mirror
By her own admission, Caroline Hirons is no immaculate 'Barbie doll' with a 'twiglet thin' body and tangerine coloured skin.
She's a 49-year-old married mum of four who loves nothing more than putting her hair up in a messy bun and spending most of the day in trainers.
... You're more likely to find her sat watching Strictly with a cup of tea in hand than attending some posh party with prosecco on tap.
And it's this down-to-earth approach that has made Caroline one of the most successful online beauty bloggers, with products she recommends flying off the shelves.
Her advice is considered like gospel and brands covet a mention or review from her.
In one instance, Clinique was considering discontinuing their Take The Day Off Balm due to poor sales - that was until Caroline featured it in her blog's hall of fame section.
It led to a 1,432 per cent increase in sales and is now the brand's top seller.
It shows just how influential the former beauty counter employee has become and there is now a term in the industry known as the ‘Caroline Effect’.
Her beauty blog recently reached a milestone of 100 million views, she has 233,000 followers on Instagram and 164,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/ttkrp
See More

VIDEO: How to get more property viewings The Guild of Property Professionals
Most property viewings happen in the first month of marketing a property. What can you do if your home isn’t attracting much attention?
Here are five tips to make sure your property has more viewings in 24 hours.
... 1. Run a social media campaign Ask your agent to boost your property on Facebook. They will be able to target people who live in your local area to generate attention. Make sure people can easily book a viewing from the post.
2. Host an open house Set a date for an open house and invite interested people to attend. Most open houses run from about 11am to 1pm on a Saturday. You could get up to 30 people through the door on just one day.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tt5jp
See More

How to renovate on a shoestring budget The Guild of Property Professionals
Wanting to make a good impression and make your home stand out in the crowd doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are numerous budget-friendly ways that you can use to make your property more appealing to potential buyers and increase your chances of selling for the highest possible price.
You can make a big impact without spending big money, too. Subtle, well-thought-out and inexpensive updates are... sometimes all that is needed to make a lasting impression and give you the edge in the market.
Here are some budget-friendly updates you could do before listing your home:
Start with a renovation checklist
Before doing anything else, walk through your home and visit each room to make a list of what needs to be repaired or replaced. It’s might be difficult, but try to be objective, focusing on how buyers would view your home. A second opinion from a friend or family members could help during this process. Look for outdated styles and fixtures, bold patterns and colours, unfinished projects and over-cluttered cupboards or countertops. Consider which elements showcase the home in its best light and what doesn’t. Once the checklist has been established, the next step is to set a budget and make time to complete the tasks.
First impressions count
It takes people just 15 seconds to decide whether they like a house or not. That just highlights the importance of making a good first impression. A buyer’s impression of your home is not only formed by what they see on the interior but starts from outside the property walls. People passing by will judge whether they want to have a look at the property by the way it looks from the street. Curb-appeal is vital and contributes to the success of attracting buyers. Start maintenance outside the property and work your way inside. Basic updates such as painting or refinishing of fences sheds and garage doors, cutting the grass and planting some flowers can improve the look of a home from the outside.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tsyfq
See More

On Saturday we were pleased to be able to help Greenwich Foodbank at Tesco's in Woolwich with their Christmas collection.
Here are a few pictures of the team handing out leaflets and donating food.
All Conran Estates offices have large collection trays so should you wish to donate please visit one of our offices, alternatively you can visit one of the donating locations on below website.
... Thanks very much.
http://qoo.ly/tsw3m
See More

Vue's new nine-screen cinema opens in Bromley's St Mark's Square News Shopper
The new nine-screen site is part of the Bromley South Central scheme, with over 600 luxury leather seats and Sony 4K picture quality.
To celebrate the launch Vue invited Councillor Kim Botting to open the new cinema.
... The mayor of Bromley said, “It was a pleasure to welcome and meet the Vue team, with the multiscreen complex part of an exciting new leisure destination to Bromley town centre.
"I know they are looking forward to showcasing their state-of-the-art screens, with the reclining seats assuring visitors that they will be able to watch their chosen film in comfort.”
To add to the movie-going experience, Vue Bromley features food and drink choices including a bar, exclusive Avalanche ice-cream and Coca-Cola Freestyle which allows you to fully customise your own drink at the touch of a button.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tstvv
See More

Greenwich is Rightly Associated with its Long History
Greenwich is rightly associated with its long history, from the Queens house to its few remaining cobbled streets and the Royal park itself. In more recent times and particularly since the millennium, the area has seen incredible changes with the inclusion of the impressive Millennium Dome, now known as the o2 Centre.
This immediately recognisable structure boasts world class facilities, including the main event area which... has housed diverse shows and sports from Take That to the upcoming Davis Cup Tennis. In and around the peninsula are several supermarkets and various shopping outlets. Of course, the amount of new build property, especially the lovely ones across the riverside has further developed the area into and outstanding place to live – most having exceptional views across London and mostly Canary Wharf.
One of my favourite sites built in recent years is New Capital Quay, located a short walk away from hustle and bustle of Greenwich town centre where you will find the recently renovated ‘Greenwich Market’, a treasure trove of stylish boutique style shops and food stalls. New Capital Quay is located on the riverside and consists of some well-designed flats, with the commercial units filling up at a steady pace. Already trading to the locals are Costa Coffee, the Sail Loft which is a lovely gastro pub enclosed in all glass so you can see the boats going along the river whilst enjoying a light ale. Daily shopping needs are catered for in the Waitrose which has been a God send to most residents.
Over history, Greenwich was considered one of the slums of London and a poor relation to neighbouring Blackheath, yet now this couldn’t be further from the truth and is one of the most sought after areas in South East London. Property prices have outperformed most surrounding areas in recent years, so if you own property in SE10 (or the surrounding areas such as Deptford SE8) your equity will have undoubtedly increased!
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tsaas
See More

What to avoid when buying a property for the first time The Guild of Property Professionals
Buying a home for the first time can be an emotionally driven experience, especially when you consider the various elements that need to be taken into account. While there are several new and exciting things that go into buying a home, it can be a complicated process to negotiate. Often, it’s easy to focus on the smaller details and lose sight of the larger picture while possibly ma...king mistakes.
Here's what first-time buyers need to avoid along the way: Not getting a mortgage in principle Once you have made the decision to buy a property, the temptation to jump into the search with both feet will be overwhelming. However, rushing in before speaking to your bank about the mortgage they are prepared to offer you could lead to disappointment. Imagine you find a house you love, only to learn it is not within your price range when applying for the mortgage. While not a requirement or guarantee, getting a Mortgage in Principle will provide you with a written estimate from a lender, giving an indication of what you can borrow.
It’s possible to apply for a Mortgage in Principle through a mortgage adviser such as L&C or directly with a lender. They will provide you with the reassurance that you are looking at properties within your price range and they will let the seller know you are serious and qualify to buy the property.
Not working out what you can afford There might be a difference between the mortgage you qualify for and what you can comfortably afford in real terms. It is always advisable that you leave some cushioning in the budget. Look at your finances and make a list of your expenses before determining a budget for a property to gain a clear idea of what you can afford. Don’t stretch your finances too thin, as this will make you vulnerable if unforeseen circumstances rear their head.
Focusing on the flaws You shouldn’t compromise on your ‘must-haves’ but placing too much focus on the home’s flaws might have you miss the things that really matter. Fixtures can be replaced, rooms can be made open-plan or walls can be added to create your dream home with a property that meets your essential criteria.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tr5ws
See More

What are the 10 biggest turn-offs for home buyers? The Guild of Property Professionals
When it comes to selling your property, making a good first impression is imperative. Our Guild agents share their expertise and identify the top 10 biggest turn-offs for prospective buyers and how to avoid them.
Home buyers' biggest turn offs......
Continue Reading

Greenwich and Bexley Hospice wins building materials for new walkway News Shopper
The hospice has been named as one of the winners of the Selco Stars scheme, organised by Selco Builders Warehouse.
The charity has won £500 worth of building materials, which it will use to purchase products to help build a new walkway to its gardens.
... Louise Bishop, fundraiser for the hospice, said: “We are fortunate to have a stunning woodland setting for the hospice but that means you have to go down a steep slope to reach our gardens.
“We need a new path to improve access, particularly for those in wheelchairs or who are physically frail.
“Winning the Selco prize will go a very long way towards helping us make access to the gardens available to all, which will be a huge benefit to people using the hospice."
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tqv67
See More

How to avoid buyer’s remorse The Guild of Property Professionals
While most people aspire to become homeowners, research has revealed that around 80% of people who have purchased a property have at least one noteworthy regret regarding their home buying decision. Staggering numbers considering buying a property is often the largest financial decision a person is likely to make in their life time.
So why do so many people have something they regret after they buy a home? A...ccording to data compiled by an online estate agency, it takes people an average of 38 minutes to decide on the home they want to buy. Around two thirds of home buyers will view a property twice before making an offer, while some make an offer after seeing the property just once. Making a large financial decision in less time than it takes to prepare the average dinner could result in a few issues.
It is easy to get caught up in the emotional aspect of buying a home, which could lead to you possibly overlooking certain key elements. It is often only once you have moved in and everything settles down, that you start to see things you might have previously only glossed over or missed. If you are not fully prepared and do not have an idea of exactly what you are looking for, it could be easy to miss something or make an incorrect decision.
Here are a few tips you can use to avoid regretting your purchase:
Separate the needs from the wants
Before you set out looking for the ideal property, make a list of what you need and what you want. Make the must-have a priority and note the features or aspects you are willing to compromise on.
Keep focused
It’s important to remain focused on your must-haves and not get distracted by your wants. A property might tick many of the boxes on your wants list, but if it does not meet your main objectives – it can’t be the right home. It is likely that you will stay in the property for at least a few years, which means dealing with your compromises for that long. It is better to rather make the right decision upfront, than have to deal with living in a home that just isn’t right.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tqcd8
See More

How stamp duty changes will impact the market? The Guild of Property Professionals
In his third Budget as chancellor, Phillip Hammond announced that he will extend the cancellation of stamp duty for first-time homebuyers on properties up to £300,000 to first-time buyers of shared ownership properties valued up to £500,000. He also stated that the measure would be retrospective so that any first-buyer who has bought a home since the last Budget will benefit.
The government... has done much to enable first-time buyers the opportunity to get into the market and removing stamp duty on all shared equity purchases up to £500,000 is another great initiative for those purchasing their first home. Since the abolishment of the stamp duty for first-time buyers, many more people have been able to get their foot on the property ladder despite the soaring average deposit amount required. In fact, during the first half of 2018, the number of first-time buyers hit a 12-year high at 175,500.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tq7ac
See More

Drivers could get cheaper car insurance if they go on cycling awareness course News Shopper
The Bikeability cycle training course could see insurance companies offering discounts to drivers and motorcyclists as part of a campaign to tackle dangerous driving.
A review of the Highway Code is currently being carried out to consider its guidance about how drivers should behave in relation to vulnerable road users.
... Other plans include giving the council powers to tackle dangerous parking in cycle lanes and a new police unit to analyse footage of dangerous drivers caught on dash cams by fellow motorists.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the 'back office unit' will be among 50 proposed new measures in a two-year plan to protect road users and combat road rage.
Jesse Norman, Cycling and Walking Minister, said: "Greater road safety - and especially the protection of vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders - is essential.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tp2un
See More

Over 180,500 first-time buyers benefit from stamp duty tax relief The Guild of Property Professionals
Yesterday marked a year that first-time buyers have benefited from the stamp duty tax relief. The money-saving tax relief, which is known as First Time Buyer Relief (FTBR), was introduced on 22 November 2017. The Treasury announced that since the inception of the scheme, more than 180,500 first-time buyers have benefited, saving a total of £426 million pounds.
Iain McKen...zie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, said: “The government’s effort to assist first-time buyers to get into the market is seeing fruit with the number of first-time buyers at a 12-year high and climbing. Provided they have access to finances to meet deposit requirements, either through savings or their parents, first-time buyers will have an even greater impact in the market during 2019.”
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tpftg
See More

What is Giving Tuesday and how to help BBC
#GivingTuesday is trending on social media - but what is it, where did it come from and how are people getting involved?
What is Giving Tuesday?... It follows the spending spree that is the long - and expensive - shopping weekend between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
It has been organised in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation since 2014 and encourages people to offer time, money or support to help a good cause.
"Giving Tuesday started in [the United States] on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving [and] is a movement to create an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas season," says Angharad Thomas, from the charity.
"Christmas shopping is a great thing but if there's one day to think about doing something for charity, Giving Tuesday is it.
"If you have a little bit of money left, it's great to donate. But it's equally about doing something kind and talking or posting on social media about good causes."
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tpb4y
See More

Why do house sales fall through? The Guild of Property Professionals
Moving to a new house can be a stressful time, particularly if a sale falls through. Don’t worry if this happens as there are often ways to get it back on track. Guild Members talk about the potential pitfalls to avoid during your negotiations and give tips to help your sale move forward.
Surveys
... If something unexpected comes up in a survey, it may be a big enough problem to make the sale fall through.
Becky Evans from Mark Evans & Co said: “In our experience, most house sales fall through due to survey reports. Unexpected work picked up on a survey may cause some purchasers to walk away from a sale. We would recommend that sellers sort out any paperwork for work carried out and organise certificates to provide to your surveyor and purchaser.
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tnsiw
See More

Step-by-step guide: valuation request The Guild of Property Professionals
Valuation Request If you’re thinking of selling or renting your home then an up-to-date market appraisal is essential! We aim to provide an accurate, free property valuation to all our clients. Our expert team have a wealth of knowledge regarding the property market sector and therefore, can always provide a solid property value estimate.
... Request preferred times Requesting a property valuation has never been more simple, all you need to do is follow our three easy steps and one of our expert property valuers will come to your home and carry out the valuation. Our agents will always accommodate to suit your preferred times - so don’t worry if you can only do a particular day of the week!
Read more at http://qoo.ly/tnnhz
See More

FREE Instant Online Valuation
Knowing how much your house might be worth is vital informationbefore you put your home on the market. To get an online valuation in seconds
... http://qoo.ly/taugs
See More

One of the best estate agents l have ever had the pleasure of dealing with! If you are in need of an estate agent in the south east london area then these guys will help! :-)

Certainly the best estate agent I've ever dealt with - exceptionally knowledgeable and always on hand to deal with any queries I had during my move. The MD even dropped me an email introducing himself personally after I made contact with the branch manager which I thought was a really nice personal touch. Would definitely use again and recommend to my friends

One of the best estate agents l have ever had the pleasure of dealing with! If you are in need of an estate agent in the south east london area then these guys will help! :-)

Certainly the best estate agent I've ever dealt with - exceptionally knowledgeable and always on hand to deal with any queries I had during my move. The MD even dropped me an email introducing himself personally after I made contact with the branch manager which I thought was a really nice personal touch. Would definitely use again and recommend to my friends