European Union Referendum: A Split Vote Amongst Estate Agents

A recent survey amongst a network of estate agents across England, Scotland and Wales, suggests there is a divide between agents experiencing an impact from the upcoming referendum, and those that are not.

The survey – conducted by Relocation Agent Network – found that 53% of respondents indicated that in their opinion, the market trends they are experiencing may be attributed to the upcoming EU referendum.

Over a quarter (26%) indicated that the most significant market trend that can be attributed to … Continue Reading…

Plans have gone in to convert an existing Baptist church into five new houses.

The Grace Baptist Trust Corporation has applied to convert Irthlingborough Baptish Church and an associated cottage in Meeting Lane in the town into housing.
wants to create five dwellings which will predominantly be two-bedroom terraced starter homes.

A significant portion of the site is currently a graveyard so if the plans are approved, the graveyard would be overhauled and the graves re-interred.

Documents submitted as part of the application state: “The existing dwelling will not be affected.

“The existing hard and soft landscaping to … Continue Reading…

Rushden Lakes Update

Over the last couple of weeks the developers of Rushden Lakes, LXB have announced that an eleven screen cinema, pre-let to Cineworld and a bowling alley will follow a few months after the shopping complex opens in 2017.

Originally planning permission was granted for a garden centre but this has been replaced with the cinema, bowling alley, climbing structure and cycle hire centre.

Further big name retailers have also been announced to add the already signed up anchor stores of House of … Continue Reading…

Over £5,500 raised for Cynthia Spencer Hospice

Last Saturday 19th March we sponsored a Musical Variety Night at the Spinney Theatre in Northampton to raise funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

The evening was held in honour of Jenny Starnes who passed away at the hospice. Her family wanted to say a big thank you and raise awareness for the wonderful work all the nurses do.

The evening was a tremendous success with an audience of more than 400 people. The show contained singing, dance and comedy magic with music … Continue Reading…

Budget Update – Stamp Duty

Despite pleas and pressure from the residential property industry, the Stamp Duty surcharge that the Chancellor announced in December 2015 will definitely go ahead on 1st April 2016.

All second home purchases or buy-to-let property purchases will be subject to a 3% surcharge on top of the standard Stamp Duty.

The original announcement in December created a frenzy and scramble from Buy-To- Let buyers to find and purchase a second home before the surcharge is applied. Under current legislation the Stamp Duty … Continue Reading…

Charity Concert For Cynthia Spencer Hospice

We are helping to support and raise funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton, providers of palliative care for 40 years to approximately 400 in-patients each year.

My mother-in law spent the last weeks of her life in the hospice and received exception care so my wife vowed to raise funds to enable the same level of care to be offered to future patients.

This Saturday, 19th March 2016, we are sponsoring a Musical Variety Night called “Jenny’s Moments”, organised and Directed … Continue Reading…

Higher Rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on Purchases of Second (and Subsequent) Residential Properties May Impact Wider Property Market

According to a recent estate agency survey, the proposed increase in Stamp Duty Land Tax on purchases of second and subsequent residential properties, may impact local property markets.

In a national survey conducted amongst its members, Relocation Agent Network found 74% of respondents indicated that the proposed increase in Stamp Duty on purchases of second residential properties, may impact their local property market. When asked to elaborate on what kind of impact this will have, two thirds suggested that the number … Continue Reading…

Outline plans for housing on former swimming pool site in Northamptonshire

The article below was published on the Chronicle & Echo website yesterday.

Outline plans to build 27 houses where a swimming pool used to be have been submitted.

The proposal is for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for a residential development on the site of the old Wellingborough swimming baths in Croyland Road, Wellingborough.

Planning permission for the pool was originally granted in 1967, but the building was eventually replaced by the Waendel Leisure Centre in Thomas Street which opened in … Continue Reading…

Stamp Duty Surcharge Creating Pressure

The first month of the year has been one of the busiest in my career. We have received record number of enquiries from buyers registering on our mailing list, with over a 1,000 potential buyers now looking to purchase.

By far, the most popular enquiry has been from Buy To Let Investors who are keen to purchase a property before the 1st April deadline when a 3% Stamp Duty Surcharge is introduced, imposed on anyone buying a second home.

The demands of Buy … Continue Reading…

Sellers Don’t Delay!

The presents have been unwrapped, the Christmas dinner is eaten and the chocolates are being passed round, so what next?… Find a new home for 2016 of course!

In our experience, many potential home buyers use the festive period to search for their next home online – so if you’re thinking of selling, don’t miss out, contact us today!

Sellers: Don’t Miss Out
Many people wait until the New Year to put their property on the market, thinking that most buyers will not … Continue Reading…