Join us in the grounds of Faringdon House for a glorious fireworks display and a huge bonfire, organised by Faringdon Rotary Club.

We are delighted once again to sponsor this popular event, which enables everyone in our town to enjoy a spectacular and safe firework display and at the same time help raise money for the invaluable work of our local Rotary club.

Gates open at 6pm. Bonfire is lit at 6.30pm. Starts at 7pm.

• Family ticket: £26 or £30 on the night (for 2 adults and 2 children)
• Adult ticket: £9 or £11 on the night
• Children (5 -17 years old): £7 or £8 on the night
• Under 5s: Free of Charge

Visit Faringdon Rotary Club’s website –  faringdonrotaryclub.co.uk – to pre-book your tickets or call 01367 243864/244616.

We look forward to seeing you there!

According to stats released by Halifax, last year, there was a 35% increase in Halifax Home Insurance claims for forced burglary in ‘darker months’ versus ‘lighter months’.

The picture was similar in 2017, with a 9% increase in claims between October-December inclusive and March-May inclusive. The clocks going back last weekend provides the ideal excuse for cosy nights in and revelling in the pleasure of JOMO (the ‘joy of missing out’).

However, darker evenings can also provide the perfect opportunity for burglars, with shady corners providing convenient hiding places.

Tim Downes, Senior Claims Manager, Halifax Home Insurance, said: “The clocks going back should act as a timely reminder to protect our homes from burglars during the darker days.

There are many advantages to shorter evenings and many people will happily swap summer parties and barbecues for quiet nights in front of the fire. However when the clocks change, we also see an increase in burglary using force. Following some of our simple tips is an easy way for homeowners to protect their properties during the darker days.”

Halifax Bank Home Insurance share their top tips to keep homes safe as the clocks go back:

1. Make sure bushes, hedges and trees aren’t creating easy hiding places for burglars.
2. Leave a light on in your home when you are out or have a light timer fitted.
3. Think about installing exterior security lights at the front and back of your property.
4. Leave the radio or the television on to give the impression that the house is occupied.
5. If possible, invest in a CCTV system. You can now also buy cameras that allow you to monitor your home remotely via your smart phone or tablet.
6. It’s a good idea to invest in a burglar alarm. Not only do they keep your home safe, but also act as a deterrent to burglars, and could reduce your home insurance premium.
7. Having a gravel driveway can be a good deterrent to burglars as the sound will alert homeowners to an intruder.
8. With upcoming seasonal festivals households might have more expensive items in the home than normal. Make sure you have the right level of cover for these possessions.

article courtesy of Property Reporter

We are delighted to welcome experienced estate agent, Gerald Spencer, who will be managing valuations and sales across Berkeley Vale.

Although our Stroud and Nailsworth branches have occasionally sold properties in this area, with Gerald’s appointment we look forward to helping many more people in this region enjoy moving with Perry Bishop and Chambers.

Gerald will be holding a valuation roadshow throughout November, providing free no obligation valuations to anyone living in this beautiful part of the world. So whether you live in Purton to the north, Thornbury to the south, or any of the towns/villages in between, please do give Gerald a call if you would like to find out what your property is currently worth:

• t. 01453 762308
• m. 07854 011519
• e. geraldspencer@perrybishop.co.uk

Gerald has been an Estate Agent for 30 years, and brings with him valuable knowledge and experience. He and his partner enjoy the country way of life, including all things equine. His great passion is horse racing, especially following his son’s racehorse training career.

Gerald lives in the Berkeley Vale and is immersed in local life.

 

Directors Phillip Bishop, Sarah Benson and Gavin Wallace were thrilled to learn that Perry Bishop and Chambers was judged one of the best estate agencies in the country at the prestigious Best Estate Agent Guide Awards in London on Thursday 10th October.

The Best Estate Agent Guide, compiled annually by The Property Academy and Rightmove, is the largest and most comprehensive study of the British estate agency industry. Only 5% of the UK’s 25,000 estate agents are shortlisted and then only the top 3% go on to receive an award. Perry Bishop and Chambers were recognised for their achievement in the South West.

“We are so proud to have collected this award on behalf of our amazing teams. This would not have been possible without them,” said Managing Director Phillip Bishop.

The Best Estate Agent Guide (BEAG) seeks to raise industry standards by identifying and rewarding those agents that deliver extraordinary results for their customers.

The Best Estate Agent Guide is the result of a whole of market assessment of estate agency and lettings agency branches, combining Rightmove’s data with independent mystery shopping from the Property Academy (the organisation that provides Information, Insight, Ideas and Inspiration for individuals and companies in the property industry).

We are pleased to welcome Stephanie McPherson to our Cirencester team.

Stephanie is an experienced estate agent who has been helping people on the move in Cirencester for the last five and a half years, previously employed by a corporate agent. She knows and loves the town, which is also home to her, her partner and teenage daughter.

Stephanie joins us as Customer Manager, replacing Leonie who left us last week to join her husband’s building firm.

Branch Manager Jim Chamberlayne is delighted with Stephanie’s appointment. “Stephanie’s agency experience and knowledge of Cirencester make her an excellent asset to our award-winning team.”

Stephanie looks forward to helping buyers and vendors find their next dream home.

All over the UK home buyers and sellers have an important date in mind. No, it is not 31st October when the UK is set to come out of the European Union. This particular date will not be delayed, deferred, or cancelled. There will be no heated debates in parliament and Mr Barnier will not discount it out of hand. It is a date that everyone is agreed upon. It is 25th December, Christmas Day.

This date is etched on our minds. Already shops are stocking for Christmas and very soon Marks & Spencer and John Lewis will be revealing this year’s Christmas special television commercials.

Anticipation will also be rising for those hoping to move into a new home by Christmas. Historically this is a key date in the home moving calendar. It is an emotional date, a day that suggests a new start and time spent with loved ones in new surroundings – full of familiar things that make a home.

But the date can also put a great deal more stress onto an already stressful time. Why not complete a purchase two weeks later or at the end of January when things could be easier? Because it is not Christmas.

So for those aiming to have moved by Christmas here are a few hints on how to make that happen.

Set your price to sell. You haven’t time to test the market with an optimistic over-the-odds asking price. You need a deal fast and a buyer who is hot to trot. You don’t have to capitulate but you may have to compromise a little. Keep your eyes on the prize of putting up your Christmas tree in your new home. The clock is ticking.

Don’t compromise on solicitors or conveyancers. Choose a lawyer who is geared to getting a deal through quickly.

If you need a mortgage, make sure this is in place well ahead of time.

Finally, do not compromise on your estate agent. Find a great one. The key to being able to open your Christmas stocking in your new home is an agent who will get the deal though. Think of your estate agent’s office like Santa’s factory in Lapland – it’s where the magic happens.

If you would like us to help get you moved in in time for Christmas please call your nearest branch of Perry Bishop and Chambers.

Nick Haines from Hazlewoods, a Gloucestershire-based firm of Business Advisers and Chartered Accountants, tackles this question commonly posed by property developers and investors.

“At the end of the day it comes down to intention. What are your plans for this property? Do you intend to develop it to sell in the near future, with a view to making a profit or hold on to it long term to generate a rental income and/or for capital appreciation?,” explains Nick Haines, head of Hazlewoods tax and property teams. “If the former then it is trading, the latter, it is an investment.”

The UK accounting standard FRS 102 defines ‘investment property’ as:

Property (land or a building, part of a building, or both) held by the owner, or by the lessee under a finance lease, to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both, rather than for:

1. use in the production or supply of goods or services, or for administrative purposes; or

2. sale in the ordinary course of business.

If you are developing property for resale, with the intention to retain part of the development as a long-term investment, make that decision at the outset, identify those properties for retention and always document your intention.

It is important to get this right from the start, changing your mind somewhere down the line can have significant tax consequences. We understand that this cannot always be avoided but please be aware of the tax implications of doing so.

From an accounting perspective, properties held for development and re-sale should be shown as development ‘stock and work in progress’. However, if the property is held for investment, include it in your list of fixed assets. At each year-end, investment property is reported at its ‘fair value’ (this is the amount for which the property could be sold, between willing parties in an arm’s length transaction). If the fair value of the property cannot be reliably measured without undue cost or effort to the company, an exemption is available, and the property is reported at cost. However, please note that, for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, this exemption has been withdrawn from the legislation leaving companies with the annual challenge of determining the fair value of investment property.

Please join us on Saturday for the official launch of Acornbury House, a beautifully and sympathetically restored development in the centre of Tetbury comprising six luxury two and three bedroom apartments.

These stylish and contemporary homes are finished to a very high standard with large windows ensuring they are filled with light. A lift has also been installed, providing access to the four apartments based on the second and third floors of this unique development.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance living in the heart of this thriving historic Cotswold market town, Acornbury House would be a very smart move.

We look forward to showing you around on Saturday 28th September, 1pm – 3pm.

Acornbury House, Chipping Street, Tetbury, GL8 8FU

RSVP:  t. 01666 504418   e. tetbury@perrybishop.co.uk

 

Perry Bishop and Chambers launched the sales of the attractive Whitelands development at the Close Hotel in Tetbury on Monday 9th September and secured two reservations.

Whitelands is the stunning new development of three and four bedroom homes from award winning developers Hills Homes and is located on the southern edge of this picturesque Cotswold town.

Perry Bishop and Chambers are marketing the development and supported the event with a strong presence, including Directors Phillip Bishop and Peter Chambers who were joined by New Homes Development Manager Helene Parker-Joel and three members of the sales team from Perry Bishop’s Tetbury branch.

Two homes were reserved during the event and a third reservation was received a couple of days later, proving how popular and sought after these homes are.

With prices starting at £335,000 and only 23 homes available, contact us for more details and a brochure.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to come into our Tetbury office to look at plans please call: 01666 504418 or E: tetbury@perrybishop.co.uk

 

This year’s annual Houzz & Home UK survey has its focus firmly on renovations* – and no wonder, since 46 percent of renovating homeowners are doing or planning work on their homes in 2019.

Beyond that, though, what sorts of homes do you live in and what kinds of changes are you making to them – and why? Are your renovations mainly functional or decorative? Are they to increase your home’s value, make them more sustainable – or fill them with smart technology so they function seamlessly? Read on to find out.

* Unless otherwise specified, all results are based on homeowners who renovated their primary homes in 2018 and responded to the Houzz & Home UK survey.

You want a home that makes you happy
With so many uncertainties in the ether affecting our big decisions right now, perhaps it’s no surprise to learn that your reasons for renovating are currently more about being happy in your homes than making money.

When asked to rate deciding factors for home improvements, 75 percent of you said you wanted to improve the design, look and feel of your home, while just 38 percent said you were motivated by increasing the resale value.

You love a refresh
You’re doing more decorating, furnishing and renovating than you are repairing: a substantial 57 percent of you are planning to decorate this year, while only 28 percent aim to carry out repairs.

Many of you have been waiting a while to get cracking: 33 and 35 percent of you respectively are doing work on your homes now because you finally have the time or the money to do so.

Interestingly, smart tech isn’t currently on your radar, with just 13 percent of you saying integrating it into your homes is a priority.

You tend to favour older properties
That so few of us are repairing our homes is perhaps a little surprising, given that the survey reveals a large number of you (22 percent) live in homes built before 1901.

The next most common home (17 percent) falls into the 1961-1980 bracket, closely followed by properties built between 1921 and 1940 (16 percent). Just 4 percent of us live in homes built after 2011.

You’re getting greener
We’ve already talked about how improving the look and feel of your homes is the number one motivation for undertaking projects on them.

Not too far down the list, however, is the desire to improve energy efficiency – with 40 percent of respondents stating that this is a motivation, and 15 percent wanting to integrate green materials. Improving functionality is also a big push and 63 percent rate this as a deciding factor.

Budget is a common bugbear
First up, isn’t it good to know you’re not the only one who’s faced challenges while completing work on a home? But what were the top challenges reported by homeowners during home renovations?

Joint number one, with both challenges felt by 36 percent of respondents, was staying on budget and finding the right professional.

Eating and sleeping matter most
It might surprise you to learn that the joint most popular room to work on is the bedroom. (Could a sanctuary theme be emerging?)

Perhaps less of a surprise, as this tends to be such a hard-working room, is that neck and neck with the bedroom as the most popular room to renovate is the kitchen.

Whether you were working on one room or several, 29 percent of you revamped your kitchen and 29 percent your bedroom, with the bathroom and living room coming a very close joint third at 28 percent apiece.

You’re willing to take on nuts and bolts projects
Improving functionality, as already mentioned, is a key push to undertake a project. But what sorts of practical upgrades are you investing in?

1. Indoors, 45 and 42 percent of you respectively upgraded heating and plumbing in your homes in 2018, while 40 percent focused on electrical works.
2. Outside, 32 percent of you upgraded your windows or skylights. 29 percent of you improved your gutters and downpipes, and 28 percent pimped your exterior doors.
3. In terms of the top outdoor feature upgrades in 2018, you might be surprised to discover that, at 28 percent, sprucing up your beds and borders was top of your projects list. Fencing was there, but trailing a little behind at 25 percent, while upgrading patios or terraces came in at 24 percent.