Self storage news archive
03 February 2012
The government's NewBuy Guarantee scheme, which is open to all people, has been described as being "very sensible".
Steve Turner, head of communications at the House Builders Federation (HBF), explained that a lot of people at present are unable to "scale up their homes", making this scheme an attractive option.
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03 February 2012
Flash flooding is a major problem for inner city properties, according to UK Flood Barriers.
Frank Kelly, chief executive of UK Flood Barriers, explained that flash flooding is a serious issue because it can "overwhelm" drainage systems.
However, homeowners can make their property secure relatively easily and without much cost, he expanded.
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03 February 2012
The benefits to homeowners and landlords of investing in shutters are "simply endless", according to the California Company.
Sam Tamlyn, head of operations at the online shutter and blinds specialist, explained that shutters are extremely versatile.
"They are a super-stylish and contemporary alternative to curtains, offering light and privacy control," he said. "They make a fantastic feature out of any window, be it round, triangular or rectangular."
He added that they are also child friendly, more durable than blinds and particularly suitable for those who suffer from allergies as they are easy to clean.
"They can also help to save on energy bills and can be as efficient as double glazing, which can only be good news in the colder winter months," Mr Tamlyn stated.
According to Mr Tamlyn, the shutter market has grown steadily in recent years, with architects and interior designers recognising the value of having them in the home.
People who are fitting shutters in their home are advised to store precious belongings in a self storage unit during the installation process.
Posted by Paul Governor
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02 February 2012
London's commercial property market has a lot of structural advantages that are lacking in other cities, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
Andrew Burrell, head of forecasting at Jones Lang LeSalle, explained that although it has its own weaknesses, London is much more resilient.
This is linked to what goes on globally, Mr Burrell explained, which means it is the first to feel the pinch when there's a slowdown, but equally, it is the first market people return to in an upturn.
"In terms of its investment, when times are tough around the world you can buy a building there [and] you know you will get a decent return over the long term," he added.
"So, it has got a different type of characteristic to other markets. London gets a lot of private wealth and people who are investing - not so much looking for rates of return - [but] for a safety of income and maybe [for the] long term."
Mr Burell said London property attracted a wide range of investors, making it a deep market.
A self storage unit in the city can help investors store excess furniture and belongings without cluttering up homes.
Posted by Fiona Mayers
Looking for storage in London? Contact us free on 0800 444 800 now.
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02 February 2012
Banks are looking for every reason going not to lend to landlords, according to Letting Focus.com.
David Lawrenson, private rented sector expert at the independent property investment consultancy, said landlords are finding it tough to get hold of mortgage finance.
"The banks and building societies are extremely intransigent and looking for any excuses not to lend– it is what we keep hearing," he said.
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02 February 2012
Scottish homeowners need to make sure their properties are competitively priced in today's market, according to Russell + Aitken.
Dianne Paterson, property partner of Russell + Aitken, explained that those who are looking to bag a quick sale should be pitching the value of their home at a "realistic price".
However, that didn't mean that price was static as Ms Paterson advised would-be sellers to negotiate on that price with prospective buyers.
This new way of approaching things is a result of the property market's status quo from last year.
"Looking ahead, 2012 is likely to see a continuation of the trends seen last year. In addition, the overall house price is likely to remain relatively unchanged over the course of the year at the higher end," she said.
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01 February 2012
Northern European countries have been described as having sound rental growth prospects.
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01 February 2012
Cutting VAT on home improvements would save homeowners money, which they could redirect into making their properties more energy efficient, according to the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).
Andrew Leech, director at the NHIC, explained that at present, because of high VAT, homeowners have to "pay through the nose" to make their homes greener.
"It will also reflect on the fact that they will go for cheaper solutions to the problem of providing efficient improvements, which might not last as long as more expensive alternatives," he added.
"If you pay more for a job, then you get a better job done and it lasts longer – it will maybe last for the lifetime of a house."
Mr Leech went on to say that the saying "you get what you pay for" is relevant here. With high VAT, people tend to go for cheaper and less durable products.
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31 January 2012
Accent pieces will be a major interior design trend this year, according to a specialist company.
Egerton Designs, a long established interior design practice, explained that accent pieces help homeowners update their properties without the need to spend lots of money on making expensive changes.
"Style conscious people will be adding just one wall of large print wallpaper to their rooms to change the atmosphere and update them, and then removing beige and other old cushions, adding icing sugar pink cushions instead," said a spokeswoman.
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30 January 2012
The most popular style of carpet being sold in the UK at the moment is a twist pile, according to the CarpetFoundation.com.
A spokesman for the company explained that the twist pile carpet, which is usually made from yarn that has been "twisted" very tightly – is particularly popular in a beige colour.
"That is what demand seems to require", he said.
"But like everything else, the manufacturers offer a very wide range and there are no real restrictions."
To choose a quality carpet, the spokesman advised people to consult two schemes.
First of all there is the British standard classification scheme for carpets, known as BS EN 1307.
However, it is difficult to follow, stated the spokesman.
The other system is a Quality Mark scheme, which sees carpets undergo tests to ensure they meet certain criteria.
The spokesman said: "Carpet is often sold as suitable for heavy domestic use or extra-heavy domestic use and if it has gone through all the tests and has achieved a sufficient number of points on our scheme, then we would award the Quality Mark."
Installing a new carpet is a cumbersome job – plan ahead by emptying rooms of furniture and relocating them to a self storage unit. That way you can lay a new carpet without constantly moving things.
Posted by Graeme Pieterson
Looking for storage in Central South? Contact us free on 0800 444 800 now.
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27 January 2012
Short-term fixed-rate mortgages are becoming less popular with homeowners, according to What Mortgage.
Ben Wilkie, editor at What Mortgage, explained that long-term deals were more attractive than short-term deals because there is a bit of a "gamble" with the latter.
People speculate that when taking out a short-term fixed-rate mortgage, interest rates will rise, meaning they will be better off.
"Because everyone thinks that the Bank of England base rate is going to be so low for such a long time, it is not really worth taking a short-term fix, so the longer-term ones are more attractive," Mr Wilkie expanded.
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26 January 2012
City workers in London may be considering "fringe" properties because they are unable to afford living in the heart of the capital, according to Savills.
Lucian Cook explained that city workers who have yet to put down money for a mortgage will be looking to delay getting one and instead opt to stay in high quality private rented accommodation longer than usual.
"I don't think the result is that they are going to move in any significant numbers to slightly less prime locations but, if they do, then the furthest I think they will move is to fringe prime as opposed to core prime areas," he said.
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25 January 2012
The end of the stamp duty holiday tax – which comes in force in the spring – is likely to have a small impact, according to Hometrack.
Gary Styles, strategy, risk and economic director at Hometrack, explained that the overall impact – within the context of the current levels of transactions taking place in the market at present – was going to be minute.
"It is first-time buyers who are particularly having problems being able to get a deposit at the moment in terms of the market," he said.
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24 January 2012
New landlords need all the help they can get in 2012 because letting out a property is a "huge learning curve", an expert has advised.
Tom Entwistle, editor and founder of LandlordZONE.co.uk, explained that the letting market is growing in size meaning that there is a steady stream of novice landlords setting up properties.
However, they need to be aware that it isn't an easy vocation and can be very demanding.
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23 January 2012
Homeowners looking to get a new carpet need to consider a number of things before buying one, according to CarpetFoundation.com.
A spokesman for the company explained that with carpets you "get what you pay for".
Luckily, CarpetFoundation.com has introduced a consumer's code of practice with some carpet retailers, to ensure that quality is preserved.
"That code of practice is approved by the Office of Fair Trading," the spokesman added.
For those looking to invest in a carpet, it is important to understand that, for the most part, they come in three basic fibres: wool, nylon and polypropylene.
"Wool comes from a totally sustainable resource, has been made for hundreds of years and is relatively easy to maintain," the spokesman explained.
"Generally speaking, most hall carpets [are about] 20 per cent nylon and the reason is to improve the abrasion resistance of the pile. Nylon is occasionally used 100 per cent in carpet. It really is an excellent carpet fibre."
He added that polypropylene is a very low-cost fibre, making it low in price and low in weight.
Installing a carpet involves a lot of work so it is recommended that major furnishings and items are relocated to a self storage unit while it is being put down.
Posted by Paul Governor
Looking for storage in Stockport? Contact us free on 0800 444 800 now.
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20 January 2012
There are not enough houses being built in the UK to match demand, according to the National House-Building Council (NHBC).
Richard Tamayo, commercial director at NHBC, said that the number of homes built in 2011 was roughly the same as 2010's figures.
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19 January 2012
Track and fix hybrid mortgages are something that homeowners should consider, according to MyMortgageDirect.
Catherine Hearnden, director at MyMortgageDirect explained that they were a good option because they offer people some degree of flexibility.
"People are not keen on fixing now because rates are low and everyone has got it in their head that rates will increase," she said.
"You have got the benefit now of a tracker, but you know that your rate will not increase between years three to five. They are a very good option."
Most borrowers will not be that aware of hybrid mortgages, Ms Hearnden added, especially if they "go direct". Furthermore there are not that many lenders offering them.
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18 January 2012
Investment in student accommodation is currently very strong, according to a property expert.
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17 January 2012
Homeowners who are delaying essential improvements on their respective properties risk paying out more cash in the long run, according to Build It.
Anna-Maria DeSouza, editor of the magazine, explained that many people are putting off necessary improvements to save cash, which although understandable, wasn't perhaps the best way forward.
"Be warned – you must assess if this is a viable option," she said.
"Will something that may cost you £100 to repair today end up costing you thousands in the future?"
Ms DeSouza recommended that homeowners conduct a six-month check of their property to identity any problems that need resolving before it "gets too far".
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17 January 2012
All households should have a carbon monoxide alarm fixed next to a boiler, according to an expert.
Richard Clarke, chairman at 1st action, explained that any boiler has the capacity to generate carbon monoxide – with an alarm, people can ensure it isn't leaking accidently and be warned if it is.
The flue – which is effectively a pipe- is the most important thing, he explained.
"It has got to be properly installed and that means not only having the gas going to the boiler okay; it has got to be flued," Mr Clarke said.
"Every boiler has to have a flue to get rid of the poisonous gases. If the flue is low level in a garden, then it can be blocked by some plants or trees that are stopping the gases getting away."
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