Out There Blog

With summer weather showing glimpses of returning for another season, it may well be that you might see a bit more of your neighbours than you bargained for! We are doing a quick poll about this issue. Results so far indicate they don't, but don't forget to have your say ...

The great summer heatwave of 2006 may already seem like a distant memory, but as the summer draws to a close, but millions of Britons have been stripping off completely on terraces, balconies and in gardens all over the UK, according to our latest survey.

A startling 19.7% of respondents say they have got their kit off outside while at home on at least one occasion, equivalent to around 11 million people.  The figures also suggest people are not going to great lengths to ensure nobody sees them, with 21% saying that they have caught their neighbours in the altogether at some point.

Those in metropolitan areas are more likely than those outside cities to sunbathe nude (21% compared to 16%).  It seems that even though rural homes may be more secluded, city dwellers are less likely to know their neighbours and a greater feeling of anonymity seems to lower metropolitan inhibitions.

Naked neighbours all the rage

It would appear that traditional British stuffiness is diminishing as the findings reveal Brits to be fairly relaxed about the possibility of having naked neighbours.  When asked if they would be put off buying a house with nudists next door, 50% said they would have ‘no concern at all’, while 34% said they wouldn’t mind as long as they did not have to see their neighbours naked.  Only 16% said they would not want to buy a home in these circumstances.

While 29% said they would be embarrassed to talk to their neighbours once they had encountered them topping up their tan in the nude, 57% said it would make no difference at all to their neighbourly relations (and a further 10% said they had no contact at all with their neighbours anyway).  An especially friendly 4% said it would enhance their relationship with those next door.

Younger people were less likely to have concerns than older people.  59% of the under 45s would have ‘no concern at all’ in buying a home next to naturists compared to only 41% of over 45s and 50% for the overall average. Warren Bright, chief executive of propertyfinder.com said:

“It seems that the Brits’ traditional prudishness is a thing of the past.  The vast majority of homeowners are fine with neighbourhood nudity.  What upsets people far more is noise and antisocial behaviour.   A quiet neighbourhood is a big draw to the vast majority of buyers, whether the neighbours are clothed or otherwise.”

In contrast to the figures on nudity, 46% of respondents cite night time party noise as completely unbearable, 45% hate hearing music through the walls or floors, 39% hate domestic arguments and 37% hear music being played outside in the garden or on a terrace or balcony.

Relaxed nudity in outdoor areas

The latest research by Propertyfinder.com adds to the evidence that the nation is becoming more relaxed with nudity in private gardens, or other outdoor areas.   In a recent court case in Cardigan in West Wales, a woman was cleared by magistrates of indecent exposure, sweeping aside allegations that her behaviour was ‘grossly offensive to normal decent persons’.

This research also suggests that naturism is much more widespread than might be believed.  While there are just 16,000 members of British Naturism in the UK and around 130 ‘sun clubs’, the statistics suggest that many millions of us have at some point bared all in our gardens. Andrew Welch, Commercial Manager of British Naturism said, “Nude sunbathing is the most natural thing in the world."

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So you've decided you've had enough of renting and want to make the big move by owning your own home. Your mortgage is approved, you’ve scoured your desired area and found that perfect little home, but now it's time to get serious.

Follow these steps to buying your first property:

Make an offer
Before putting in an offer, try to glean as much information from the estate agent as possible. Ask how long it’s been on the market and if the seller wants a quick sale. Initially offer below the asking price and be prepared to have this offer rejected. This is the beginning of negotiations. But remember, stick to your budget (which might include stamp duty costs of 1 per cent of the asking price from properties in the £120,000 to £250,000 bracket).

Once your offer has been accepted
Ask the estate agent to take the property off the market and then instruct a solicitor. Ask for a few quotes and follow up personal recommendations. It is best to agree a one-off fee with your solicitor, otherwise you could face a lot of extra charges. Your solicitor will take over the legal issues and make sure that all the vital checks, including those listed below, are carried out.

Land Registry search
This confirms whether the seller has the right to sell the property and whether there are any outstanding rights over the property (ie, a loan secured against it). The solicitor will then register the transfer of ownership into your name. This will cost you from £40 to £500, depending on the value of the property.

Local authority search
This checks that there are no local plans that may affect the value of the home (main roads or superstores being built, for example). There is a flat fee for this, which is usually about £170.

Survey
There are three main types. The first is a valuation survey, required by your lender to check that the value of the property covers its loan. This normally costs about £200. It is a good idea, however, to get your own survey done. You can either pay for a home buyer’s report, which will cost you about £400, or a full structural survey, which is more expensive.

Exchanging contracts
Once you and your solicitor are happy with all checks and queries and have agreed the draft contract (which can take some time), it is time to exchange. You will sign the contract and pay the deposit. If you pull out now, you will lose your deposit. Once contracts are exchanged, a date for completion of the purchase can be agreed. Remember to book the removal company.

Completion date
You can pick up the keys and move in.

As featured on Times Online, June 2007 

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It's not just the rich and famous who are turning to buying agents to save the hassle and time of finding the right property.

These days whatever your price range, there is a buying agent who will find your exact requirements, then shortlist homes on the market and finally bargain down the price to ensure that more covers their fee.

Although using a buying agent makes you feel like a millionaire, it is no longer just the super-wealthy who can afford good homes and want to move house, but don't have time to scour the website or view a property at short notice in a busy market.

William Harries of The Buying Solution explains:

We meet at the client's home with their partner or family. Clients will be more relaxed there, may have more time than at work, and we can see their stylistic preferences in their own home which in turn helps us find the right property.

Within 10 days of meeting a buying agent a shortlist of appropriate properties will be presented, setting out asking price and sellers' circumstances - for example, an owner needing a quick move may accept a lower price while another may need the maximum because the sale is part of a costly divorce.

But finding the home is only have the job, a buying agent will also negotiate its purchase or rental price, assist with moving you in as well as looking after the management of the property.

These days buying agents are highly specialised, and one is available for almost every conceivable group of buyers, offering advice and assistance along the way and at every step.

Buying agents say 50% of properties their clients buy never appear in the open market. Instead, the buying agents use their contacts to sniff out homes about to go on sale before advertisements are placed and brochures are printed - giving you that head start.

As featured in London Property News, May 2007 

Posted by at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In the first of a new series of blog posts we look at overseas property markets, giving you the low down on what you need to know if you're thinking of moving overseas.

In this edition we look at Bulgaria...

It has only been a very short time since Bulgaria opened up its doors to the British tourist and is now a country attracting thousands of British looking to invest in holiday homes.

The country’s previous perception certainly does not live up to the now reality of this growing and beautiful country. This country is certainly a new discovery amongst tourists, not just from Britain. There is a lot more to this exciting and mysterious country that at first one might see. The breathtaking unspoilt scenery, and of course the mysterious Black Sea all captures one’s imagination.

The price of the property itself is enough to be enticed into buying in Bulgaria, but certainly not the only one. From cheap coastal and city apartments to ski resorts, to more up market and glamorous developments there is something affordable for everyone, whether purchasing a holiday home or simply as an investment opportunity.

In its first three months as an EU member, Bulgaria has seen average residential property prices rise by over 9 per cent. According to the National Statistical Institute, the capital Sofia saw property prices rise by over 14 per cent with residential districts such as Lyulin, Mladost and Nadezhda seeing significant increases.

Sofia has become popular with investors due to the strong demand for high quality western style rental accommodation both from the local domestic population and foreign workers. Property prices remain relatively low with one bedroom apartments in the Mount View development located just minutes from the Sofia Business Park and Mount Vitosha available from just £81,675, according to one Bulgarian agent.

Bulgaria enjoys a much slower pace of life with friendly people and it has already established a community of expatriates. Most expatriates are attracted by the weather, the beaches, and the beauty of the country, together with the cost of living and the low prices generally. But Bulgaria also offers a rich history from a friendly people.

In the future Bulgaria could enjoy the same status as Spain or Greece, as Britain’s number one holiday destination. Those who are opting to go to Bulgaria to start a new life will not be disappointed. The young are flocking to the fashionable capital Sofia, which is now becoming a hub for the young and trendy of Bulgaria. Many other tourists are tempted by the main resort centers such as Varna and Burgas, as well as Sofia.

Properties on the black sea are also very popular and considered premium locations. Another attractive feature of living in this charming country is that according to statistics street crime in Bulgaria is rare, and general crimes against ‘the person’ are statistically lower compared to Western European countries. Bulgarians are an extremely warm and welcoming people and those expatriates who are considering Bulgaria to start a new life will be pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of attractions it offers.

It has a rich history and ancient monuments, enticing scenery with outstanding natural beauty and wildlife, as well as its own identity in terms of music, literature, cuisine and general customs. It is uncharted territory at a very low cost of living, and what could be more attractive.

Visit propertyfinder.com to view hundreds of properties for sale in Bulgaria.

For more information and an impartial guide on buying property in Bulgaria, visit Buy Association.

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An increasing number of us are retiring abroad, drawn to warmer sunnier climates where our pensions will stretch further, or to be united with children or grandchildren who have settled abroad.

More and more Britons are being increasingly willing and able to spend their retirement overseas, but how easy is it to retire abroad and where are the top destinations?   

Figures from The Department for Work and Pensions show that from the 1m pr Britons who have a pensions paid to them abroad, the most popular location, with 242,560 is Australia. In Canada, there are 155,120; in the USA, 128,970; in Ireland, 104,270; in Spain, 79,560. New Zealand, Italy and France are popular so are Cyprus and Malta.

AUSTRALIA

Getting a visa
Despite historic ties with the UK, obtaining residency isn’t easy. The easiest (and cheapest) method is to apply for one of the various Family Reunion visas, which require a relative living in Australia to sponsor you. For those aged 55 and over, they cost about £30,000 a couple. If you are over 65, with family in Australia, you can apply for an aged-parent visa; it’s free, but there is a waiting list. Over 55 and no relatives there? Try an investor retirement visa. You renew it every four years, and must have assets of at least £312,000 to invest.

Property prices
They vary but are generally lower than in Britain. Non-Australian citizens or those without permanent visas can buy only new-build property. A one-bed flat in Perth, on the west coast, will cost about £100,000. The same in Sydney will set you back £150,000.

Climate
North, it’s the steamy tropics; further down the eastern seaboard, where most of the 20m population lives, winters are cool and summers hot and slightly humid.

Health care 
Those on Family Reunion visas are eligible for Medicare, the Australian equivalent of the NHS. Others need private cover.

Finances
A British pension is not index-linked if you live in Australia, so it won’t rise with inflation.

Getting there
Off-peak flights to Sydney start at about £650, rising to £1,400 for peak season.

Total score: 6/10 – great if you have family there or can afford to do it

CANADA

Getting a visa
Adult children living there can sponsor parents, or you can sign up to the Immigrant Investor Programme, for those with business experience which requires a returnable deposit of £187,000.

Property prices
Average house prices are about £140,000. On the west coast, in Vancouver, the biggest city, the average price is £264,000; in Quebec, it’s £76,000.

Climate
Like the British, Canadians love to discuss the weather. There are four distinct seasons: in winter, temperatures can hit -25C; in summer, 30C is not uncommon.

Health care 
Holders of British family-sponsored and investor visas qualify for state health care. The system is administered locally, so services vary; in some cases, you will pay extra for certain procedures.

Finances
There is a two-tier system of provincial and federal taxes. The top rate of federal tax, 23.51%, applies to incomes of more than £93,404. Provincial top rates range from 10% to 18%. British pensions are not index-linked, so will not increase in line with inflation.

Getting there
Flying to Canada has become cheaper. British Airways and Air Canada offer off-season returns from as little as £374.

Total score: 7/10 – be prepared to invest in your new country

USA

Getting a visa
British retirees can legally spend up to 90 days in the US without a visa, or up to 180 days with a B1/B2 visitor visa. Many British “snow birds” own holiday homes in winter-sun destinations to take advantage of this. To stay longer, you need children who are US citizens, in which case you can seek an immigrant visa, or you must make a “substantial” investment to start a business that provides an income to support you and your family. This will allow you to qualify for an E-2 visa, which lasts as long as the business does.

Property prices
A weak dollar means that in the past year, for Britons, the cost of buying property has plunged by 11%. The market is unsettled – in Florida, it’s in free fall. If you are moving permanently, you’ll be able to drive some hard bargains.

Climate
As varied as the many states. Extremes are usually greater than in Britain, so you’ll get “proper” winters and long, sunny summers. In Florida and Hawaii, it’s warm all year.

Health care
Contrary to popular belief, there is state health care, but coverage is limited and anyone who can afford it takes out private cover, the cost of which is high. Buying through an American insurer means faster emergency care and makes it easier to recoup expenses; however, some insurers will only accept foreigners who have lived in the USA for one or two years. Whatever policy you get, ensure it is “admitted” in your state of choice.

Finances
You will be liable to pay income tax, but the top rate, 35%, kicks in only above £186,000. Watch out for local taxes, which can add a lot, but vary from state to state.

Getting there
Off-season, from about November, you can fly to Miami from about £500. In peak season, the price can be nearer £1,500.

Total score: 6/10 – just don’t get ill

IRELAND

Getting a visa
No need – it’s in the EU.

Property prices
The average house price was £211,000 in March, according to the Irish Permanent TSB/Economic and Social Research Institute index.

Climate
Temperate, but the Emerald Isle is green for a reason.

Health care
Universal public health care; users pay a proportion of the costs, capped at £41 per night or £410 per year.

Finances
Married couples over 65 are exempt from tax on incomes of up to £26,000. Above that, the rate is 20%.

Getting there
Cheap flights abound. Ryanair flies from the UK to Dublin from £45.

Total score: 7/10 – a civilised pace of life, but pack a raincoat

SPAIN

Getting a visa
No need – it’s also in the EU.

Property prices
On the Costa del Sol, a nely built two-bedroom flat in reasonable condition costs about £205,000. The northern Costa Blanca is comparable in price, but on the southern Costa Blanca, prices are lower: about £137,000 for a similar property.

Climate
Lots of sunshine, mild winters and little rain on the costas.

Health care
British retirees registered in Spain can transfer to the Spanish system. Early retirees get free health care for two years, but may then need private cover until they qualify for a UK pension.

Finances
UK state pensions are index-linked for Spanish residents, but you will be liable for income tax, with a top rate of 43%.

Getting there
A host of budget flights from British cities – but book well in advance for peak season or you could pay £400 return.

Total score: 9/10 – but don’t forget to do the paperwork

As featured in The Sunday Times - May 2007

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