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Could I be forced to leave the house?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:41:25 -0000

My mother has left her house to my brother and I in her will. I live in the house and have been given the right to stay here as long as I wish. If my brother got divorced, would his share of the house be taken into account by the divorce court, and could I be forced to leave?

Some handy tips to improve your kitchen

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:38:29 -0000

It’s often said that the kitchen is the room most likely to persuade you to buy a property – or the room most likely to put you off, depending on what it’s like.

Design, space and style at the latest development in Ancoats, The Guts

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:31:31 -0000

Great Places Housing Group has thrown caution to the wind by calling its latest development in Ancoats, The Guts. The unusual moniker came about after residents of the area assigned the nickname during a consultation period, and it stuck.

Do I follow wishes of will or deathbed?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:51:12 -0000

A week before she died my mother told me she wanted to change her will to leave somebody some money.

Classic style is black and white

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:46:35 -0000

Razzle-dazzle colour may be having its day in interiors, but do you really want to wear sunglasses to avoid the glare whenever you enter your home?

Housebuilder Morris five-star rating at Charlestown

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:22:21 -0000

Housebuilder Morris has been given a five-star rating for its development of apartments called East Gate, in Charlestown, north Manchester.

A derelict former asylum in Macclesfield has been brought back to life

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:17:48 -0000

Peter Hayes and his wife Sharon had no qualms about moving into the former Parkside Hospital which was originally built in the 19th century to house ‘pauper lunatics’.

Proprty law and you

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:39:34 -0000

When we bought our house four years ago it backed on to a field, and the saleswoman said there were no plans to build more houses there. But building work started almost as soon as we’d moved in. We’ve had four years of incessant noise and problems. Some of my neighbours were also misled about future plans for the site, but unfortunately we didn’t get anything in writing.

From brewery to apartments

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:36:37 -0000

A former brewery in Stockport is throwing open its doors over the Easter weekend.

Top tips for fitting a great wooden floor

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:35:28 -0000

Few things add to the look of a room, or the value of your home, like a real wooden floor. Follow Julia Gray’s DIY installation tips

Friendly landlady offering homes-from-home for theatrical folk in Whitefield

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:32:28 -0000

Patricia Jones has welcomed enough thespians through her doors over the years to fill an entire theatre.

A Magic way to clear clutter

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:43:12 -0000

Clear away the clutter whilst creating a clean contemporary look with Wardrobe Magic’s sliding and hinged wardrobes, currently available to readers minus the cost of VAT.

Enjoy the super soft luxury of 100 per cent cashmere with these beautiful blankets, reduced from £350 to just £170 each.

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:40:08 -0000

Enjoy the super soft luxury of 100 per cent cashmere with these beautiful blankets, reduced from £350 to just £170 each.

Hand woven from the finest cashmere right here in Britain, they measure a generous 150cm by 180cm and feature an elegant but subtle herringbone weave and tasseled edge.

They are available in midnight blue, chocolate brown or rich russet.

To order call 0800 011 4793 and quote Cashmere Blanket Offer.

Sink into a real bargain

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:37:17 -0000

Sink into a real bargain with Cult Furniture’s Titanic Lamp, currently reduced from £99 to £29.

Home is still liable for inheritance tax

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:33:35 -0000

We gave some properties that we own to our three daughters ten years ago. We are still living in one of them on the understanding that we pay all expenses, such as council tax, in lieu of rent. We were informed that after we had survived for seven years the properties would be exempt from inheritance tax. Is this correct?

Time to fight back against hoarding

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:29:34 -0000

If someone peered into your drawers and cupboards, would they be enviably neat and orderly or stuffed full of a spaghetti-style tangle of items that would take hours to unravel?

Light a fire and make your home warmer, cosier and more sellable

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:09:35 -0000

Period homes have enduring appeal and one of the main reasons is their original features. Not only do features such as fireplaces, cornicing and sash windows make your home more valuable and nicer to live in, they also make it more sellable.

Sian Astley: I’ve built a career out of getting my hands dirty

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:00:59 -0000

The glass ceiling has been smashed by women in all kinds of industries, but if there’s a trade that still seems like a man’s world, it’s the building site.

Tackling a job at home? Here’s how

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:51:26 -0000

Paint strippers are often disappointing – they promise so much, but don’t always deliver.

Is my daughter in a vulnerable position?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:51:30 -0000

My daughter has been married for five years and has a two-year-old daughter. They live in the house that used to belong to her husband’s mother.

Wish your PVC wasn’t so white?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:49:07 -0000

Gleaming white PVC window frames, though hard-wearing and easily cleaned, aren’t to everyone’s taste.

Retirement apartments ‘experience’ offered free

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:42:53 -0000

Deciding to move from a family home to a bungalow or sheltered accommodation is a daunting prospect.

How can I best clear my business debts?

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:53:57 -0000

My business went bust and my wife and I have split up. I have given her half of what we owned, but I still owe £90,000 on credit cards and a loan.

NewBuy Scheme is step on ladder for buyers

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:51:10 -0000

The government anno-unced its NewBuy scheme this week, aimed at getting more people onto the property ladder.

The massive forthcoming development of Airport City may make new a Wythenshawe housing scheme take-off

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:47:05 -0000

Homebuyers at Jones Homes latest development in Wythenshawe could find themselves being in the right place at the right time as a huge project around Manchester Airport takes off.

Are children taking siblings’ inheritance?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:31:07 -0000

My mother died 14 months ago. She owned a house abroad. There are five children, and two of the children were joint owners of the property.

Regeneration continues apace in a corner of Salford

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:28:17 -0000

To be able to buy your own home for £66 a week has to be an enticing prospect for anyone who is struggling to get on the property ladder.

Would mum face claim for share of house?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:10:37 -0000

I was interested to read recently that after living with someone for two years you can make a claim against their estate.

Get ready for a big night in

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:07:21 -0000

Celebrities may party at chic clubs, restaurants and premieres but, increasingly, the hottest entertainment destination for the rest of us is our own home.

Bounce-back coming ... but it will be slow

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:47:17 -0000

Property investment and financial advice specialists, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), have given their predictions for the housing market for the next five years.

The advantages of buying new

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:26:43 -0000

The pros of opting for a new build home over a re-sale house are diverse, covering everything from being able to pick your preferred kitchen tiles to protecting the environment.

How much can I get from sale of house?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:54:09 -0000

I have been married for 20 years but separated for the last eight.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by lavishing a little TLC on your home

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:51:09 -0000

With Valentine’s Day looming, it’s the perfect time to show your rooms some love. What could be more heart-warming than colourful red accessories, curvy furniture and sensual textures – all vital ingredients for a sanctuary where you can woo in style or simply snuggle as a singleton.

Chelsea on a five-year fixed-rate mortgage mission

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:40:22 -0000

Chelsea Building Society claims to be offering the cheapest ever five-year fixed-rate mortgage for borrowers needing a loan up to 70 per cent LTV (loan to value) from a rate of 3.19 per cent, or 3.39 per cent (offset).

Head for the heights to gain space

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:38:47 -0000

You might not think so when it’s as cold as it is now, but you’re lucky if your home has rooms with really high ceilings. Not only are they a fantastic architectural feature and quite unusual, but they can also be used to create an extra room.

The upwardly mobile home

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:36:06 -0000

A static caravan in North Wales with an asking price of £550,000? Now we know Rio Ferdinand and his family decided to forsake the jewels of the Caribbean for a Prestatyn caravan park last year but this is a joke, surely?

A sinking feeling over our flat charges

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:48:12 -0000

I live in a city centre apartment block. We finally have a residents’ committee, although it’s not very effective. We are already concerned about the high service charges, but now we are being asked to pay between £450 – £950 a year to set up a sinking fund.

A comfortable retirement

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:44:16 -0000

For those who are retiring from work there are numerous aspects of the future to consider. The main factor for most people is likely to be how to finance a home for an unknown number of years on a reduced income.

Helping you say buy, buy to home-ownership hassles

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:40:07 -0000

Anyone with an idea of owning their own home knows of Channel 4’s Phil Spencer. The co-host of Location Location Location, who plays the affable foil to the slightly bossy Kirsty Allsopp, has a wealth of knowledge on the property market.

I’m trying to resolve a path problem

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:17:12 -0000

They’ve built a new school at the back of our houses, and as a result the owner of the end house has informed everybody that – with the council’s permission – they’re going to block off one end of the path behind our properties. The result will be that, instead of it being 20 metres from my front door to my back gate, it will be 600 metres! Can they do this?

Scheme helping to make an area Miles better

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:14:43 -0000

Housebuilder Lovell is one of the key players in a huge scheme to regenerate Miles Platting. The scheme, known as Gener8, is a £150m project aimed at providing affordable housing for families.

Designer looks on a shoestring

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:08:35 -0000

We can all suffer ‘room envy’ at the sight of those glamorous settings in magazines or on television, but emulating their style in our homes seems ever more impossible in these cash-strapped times.

Homebuyers shatter records searching for houses

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:52:07 -0000

Despite all the talk of doom and gloom, large numbers of people are keen to move but face an acute shortage of homes for sale in most areas, says a leading property site.

Having a bit on the side brings a return

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:42:48 -0000

These days, it’s often better to improve, not move, as extending or converting your home is usually less money, time-consuming and hassle than moving to a new one.

Could the children live with me?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:57:35 -0000

Q My partner has left me in the family home, taking our two young children with her. Her parents have told her that I will have to provide for her. I miss the children and wondered whether it would be possible to have them live with me instead of with her?

Here’s a look that is tiles better

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:54:33 -0000

Follow these tips to get floor tiling right the first time.

NW site boss wins building ‘Oscar’

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:51:01 -0000

Building companies in the north west have come up trumps in a prestigious awards ceremony.

With Burns Night approaching, turn on the tartan charm with this selection of Scottish-themed homeware

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:48:21 -0000

Scots across the globe will be celebrating Burns Night on January 25 with an evening of mirth and merriment in honour of the famous bard.

A home that stops the traffic!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:23:59 -0000

‘Pople have been driving past our house, reversing, and getting out to take pictures!” laughs Sonia Pabla-Thomas. Passers-by have been intrigued to see the futuristic-looking section of the Victorian house – the juxtaposition of old and new is striking.

Finding a fresh approach to a chilly past

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:12:59 -0000

It seems fitting that the Ice Plant in Ancoats should open its doors at the coldest time of the year. Yet although there may be stormy winds and rain raging outside, the inside of this development aims to provide a different kind of cool.

Ex-wife wants half the equity in our home

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:28:16 -0000

My house is currently in joint names with myex-wife. She’s contributed nothing since she left, but she now wants half the equity in the property. Where do I stand as regards having to pay her out?

Metrolink to run 50 yards from my house

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:40:37 -0000

I have lived here for 23 years and bought my house from the council eight years ago. I had a land search done and nothing showed up, but now I find that the Metrolink is going to run 50 yards from my house, with only the wooden fence at the bottom of the garden separating us from the noise and disruption.

Interiors: Go for colour in year ahead

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:34:30 -0000

Sally Chamley is a furniture designer who created the interior look for the contestants’ house on Sky Living’s Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model (BINTM).

Inside stories with expertise

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:00:24 -0000

The decorations have come down, Santa has parked up his sleigh for another year. And what many of us are left with is a space that looks rather bare.

Great gift ideas for the home

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:40:16 -0000

Susannah Wright rounds up some of the most stylish gifts for the home this Christmas

Where can I find title deeds to my house?

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:09:03 -0000

I’ve finished paying off my mortgage, but haven’t received the title deeds to my house. Where are they likely to be? I switched lenders several times over the years.

Mortgage fees explained

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:06:03 -0000

Taking out a mortgage has become ever more complicated in recent years.

Tips to make your table a Christmas cracker!

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:04:24 -0000

If you’re anything like me, the idea of ‘dressing’ a table for Christmas usually involves scrabbling around for last year’s unused reindeer napkins. Thankfully, John Lewis’ experts have been drafted in to give me top tips on how to make my table the best-dressed in town.

Can they force me to sign or sell property?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:22:08 -0000

I became ill three years ago, and, at my bank manager’s suggestion, changed my mortgage to interest-only.

Mortgages and poor credit ratings

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:13:08 -0000

The 2007 credit crunch was, in part, triggered by the irresponsible selling of mortgages to borrowers who ultimately couldn’t afford them. As a result, sub-prime mortgages (mortgages for people with poor credit histories) have become much rarer in recent years. Mortgage lenders have tightened up their lending criteria, and have become a lot more selective about the applications they accept.

Restoration specialists PJ Livesey believe they have struck gold with a landmark site

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:01:04 -0000

To live in a dilapidated historic property that has been lovingly brought into the 21st century usually takes either a very understanding bank manager or years of hard graft.

Husband wants my daughter out of the house

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:43:58 -0000

Two years ago my daughter married the man she’d been going out with for the previous seven years and she and her two children went to live in his house. He has now decided that married life is not for him, and wants her out. She has had conflicting advice about what she’s entitled to.

Struggling with your mortgage?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:39:33 -0000

If you fail to meet your mortgage payments, the lender's ultimate sanction is to repossess your house. However, it should be the last resort after they have explored other options with you.

Switch on . . . to the light fantastic

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:34:25 -0000

Lights, camera, action – the new focus for interiors is on winter lighting which transforms rooms into stunning settings. In recent years, designers have turned the spotlight on everything from pendants to the humble table lamp – and the effects are magical.

Flats shortage risk says specialist

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:21:40 -0000

The dramatic oversupply of flats in many city centres has been corrected and with demand from tenants so strong, there is a serious risk of imminent shortage, says an investment specialist.

Housing market shrugs of eurozone woes to be remarkably resilient

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:17:11 -0000

Despite the growing crisis over the eurozone, Britain’s housing market confounded the doom merchants and proved remarkably resilient during October, surveys from lenders and estate agents reveal.

Is it time to join the solar set?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:15:06 -0000

To be green or not to be green – that is the question being pondered by householders after a government re-think on solar panels. Last week the coalition government proposed halving the rate at which householders can sell their home-generated power to the national grid.

Could an act of kindness make aunt homeless?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:40:53 -0000

Two years ago, my aunt gave her house to her stepson, who lived with her, so he could continue to live there after her death.

Interest-only versus repayment mortgages

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:29:11 -0000

If you’re looking for a new mortgage, deciding whether to go for a fixed or variable rate is not the only thing to think about – you also need to decide whether to go for a repayment or interest-only deal.

Awards time for Carolyn and team

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:27:05 -0000

Carolyn Mellor must be getting used to going to awards ceremonies by now. The owner of Homes4U, and her team, last week scooped the Five Star Letting Agent of the Year for Manchester, at the International Property Awards.

Eco design a prize winner

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:16:51 -0000

Diane Berry had to draw on her 30 years experience as a designer to create a top-grade kitchen for a family with a passion for energy efficiency.

Can owners block my right to use gate?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:37:59 -0000

Q A field we have owned for more than 60 years has a gateway at the bottom leading out on to a private road.

Ski-sy does it ... why not try some chalet chic!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:12:01 -0000

Winter might be fast approa-ching, but it’s not all downhill from here. A cosy and colourful array of ski lodge-inspired pieces has hit the high street, bringing a warm and cheerful trend to the season’s interiors.

Getting your child on property ladder

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:00:19 -0000

Inflated house prices and the credit crunch have made it harder than ever for first-time buyers to get a mortgage.

It makes sense to buy your freehold

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:57:22 -0000

Owners of flats where the lease is winding down towards 80 years should act fast to purchase the freehold and preserve the value of their home, says a firm of chartered surveyors.

Being warm doesn’t have to cost the earth

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:46:50 -0000

Despite the depressing figures related to rising energy prices, there are a variety of things we can do.

Produce your own electricity – and generate extra income

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:41:00 -0000

Invest in renewable energy such as solar power, known as photovoltaics (or solar PV). The panels don’t need bright sunshine, and do capture solar energy on cloudy days.

Beating big chill without a big bill

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:25:56 -0000

Shorter days and frosty nights – the British winter will soon be upon us, and if the mere thought of the coming icy months makes you shudder, then you’ll probably be turning up the heating faster than Usain Bolt running for a bus.

Here’s a will that needs urgent attention

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:05:36 -0000

My fiancé and I have lived together for seven years. Unfortunately he has been seriously ill and we haven’t been able to marry.

Giveaway of the week: Stylish leather sofa

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:35:07 -0000

LeatherSofasOnline.co.uk is offering this stylish two seater leather sofa to one lucky reader.

Choosing a fixed rate or tracker mortgage

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:05:58 -0000

Choosing whether to go for a fixed rate or tracker mortgage has not been an easy decision over the last few years. On the one hand, with the Bank of England interest rate having been at rock bottom for more than two years, tracker mortgage rates have looked good value.

Goal-den days at a new home

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:02:31 -0000

For Reverend Reji Varghese and his family, the chance to move into a brand new home that they could afford to own was a blessing after years of renting.

Extensions add homes value...but don’t forget the bathroom

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:59:00 -0000

An extension or loft conversion is the most effective way of adding value to your home, a new survey has found.

Save money by offsetting

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:56:21 -0000

Offset mortgages can be an attractive option for many people looking to make the most of their savings and get a better deal on their mortgage.

Husband’s left me paying the mortgage

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:47:29 -0000

Q My husband and I separated and the house was transferred into his sole name.

Stepping inside a brave domestic world

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:29:20 -0000

Sharks in the swimming pool, a refrigerator which tells you what to eat and housework sorted at the touch of a button. It sounds out of this world, but will be coming soon to a home near you.

Win £100 at M&S home outlet

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:01:28 -0000

To celebrate the opening of its new furniture and home accessories store at the Lowry Outlet Mall, M&S Outlet is giving three lucky readers a £100 gift card each to spend in the new store.

Estate agents on the move to give customers an improved service

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:51:11 -0000

An award-winning estate agents has opened a new centralised ‘hub’ in the south of the city – part of their plan to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Renting boom is easing the gloom

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:47:12 -0000

A phone call from a doctor complaining that his vacuum cleaner has broken – when in fact all he needs to do is change the bag.

Can mum contest her stepmother’s will?

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:34:44 -0000

The wealth in our family came from my grandmother. But when she died my grandfather married again and my mother never really got on with her stepmother.

Turn over a new leaf with seasonal chic

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:26:47 -0000

Falling leaves might mean extra work in the garden, but take the changing colours of the season as interiors inspiration and you’ll be bang on trend.

Rural buyers being priced out of market

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:17:16 -0000

The only people who can contemplate buying a home in rural areas of Britain earn enough to pay higher rate tax, says a new survey.

France is new top spot for holiday homes

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:13:03 -0000

France, which has so far avoided the worst of the property price falls in the global slowdown, has replaced Spain as the top choice for British second home owners to invest, says a new survey.

Grab a slice of the dream holiday home

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:10:55 -0000

Investing in a holiday home in Italy is about much more than bricks and mortar, as I quickly discovered at an exclusive development in the country’s heartland of Tuscany.

Split the difference

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:39:08 -0000

Q Our house shares a drive leading to garages at the back with a neighbour. Our title deeds refer to a deed of grant of “mutual right of way” drawn up in 1965.

A luxury night and sofa chic

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:30:18 -0000

Smartbox, Europe’s leading lifestyle gift experience company, has joined forces with London listings magazine Time Out to offer a new range of gifts to suit even the most difficult to buy for.

Building on a sense of tradition

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:11:59 -0000

At first glance you might not believe The Moat House near Mottram Hall has been inspired by a farmhouse design.

Courier says he tripped on my property

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:27:32 -0000

A courier delivering a parcel allegedly had an accident on my property nearly two years ago.

Taking the shared equity route

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:11:05 -0000

It was definitely a no-brainer for Amanda Latimer to join a shared equity scheme to buy a house near the city centre. The option to take out a mortgage for the majority share and be given a part-equity loan for the rest, means she can afford a two-bedroom property in a booming area without crippling herself financially.

Benefits of registering civil partnership

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:05:58 -0000

Q I’ve been in a gay relationship for five years and we jointly own a property. What would be the benefits of registering our relationship?

Home styles to help beat the weather

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:58:15 -0000

Escape the summer’s unpredictable weather and turn up the heat with your own personal paradise.

Make the most of your garden

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:50:42 -0000

Imagine inhabiting a world full of childlike magic and luxurious indulgence. Would you have a treehouse that resembles a castle’s turret and a quirky Tudor playhouse nearby?

The great outdoors ... there are developments that make the most of open air areas

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:37:18 -0000

With the vagaries of the British summer you have to be able to make the most of the sunny spells whenever they appear. So it’s good to see developers being more innovative when it comes to providing outside space.

Choose a look that is top of the crops

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:36:05 -0000

A fun and colourful trend, harvest your fruity homeware according to your taste, says editor of Homes & Bargains website Eve Kelly.

Neighbour’s plans are a gloomy prospect

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:29:06 -0000

Q My next door neighbour wants to build a first floor rear extension to his cottage, and I have objected on the grounds that it will cut out light to my property. However although the planning department appears to agree that my objection is valid, it doesn’t apparently mean they will turn down my neighbour’s application. How would I go about invoking the “Ancient Lights” rules in order to stop the extension being built?

They took our garden

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:42:15 -0000

Q Since moving into a new house last year, we’ve discovered that the bottom half of the garden was taken over by one of the neighbours some ten or 12 years ago.

Tranforming an old school house was home-work for architect couple

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:58:19 -0000

Russell Bridge and partner Bernadette have used their expertise to transform an old school house.

Jill Burdett reports.

Can I get money back?

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:52:06 -0000

Q I gave my partner £40,000 to buy a bed and breakfast business.

Designer Atlanta Bartlett shows how interiors can be pale and interesting

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:41:33 -0000

Designer Atlanta Bartlett invites Gabrielle Fagan into her inspiring home and shares the secrets of stylish, easy living.

Give your radiators a fresh look

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:25:22 -0000

Dig out your paintbrush and spruce up your radiators with the help of these top tips – it’s a lot cheaper than replacing them.

Country house prices ‘sliding’

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:16:28 -0000

Not enough homebuyers are investing in country houses to stop prices sliding in that sector, says a new report.

A surge in prices in the capital has yet to reach homes in the country, says the Knight Frank Prime Country House Index for the second quarter.

Apartments hope for former Wigan & Leigh College

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:13:39 -0000

When William Silcock spotted that a local former college was up for sale and told his mum, Tammy, she decided to turn developer.

Jill Burdett reports.

Too close neighbours

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:48:40 -0000

Too close neighbours

Q We have received a letter from the council about an application for planning permission to build a block of flats next door to our house. However, they builders have already started work, and have attached the front facing wall directly to our property. I’m not sure that they actually have the legal right to do this. What should we do?

Give your home a speedy makeover with Gabrielle Fagan’s DIY quick fixes

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:43:47 -0000

In need of a quick change? These handy hints can transform your living space in just 30 minutes...

Growth in holiday market

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:30:36 -0000

Although the mainstream housing market remains sluggish, some areas of Britain are seeing a big rush to buy holiday homes, say a new report.

House prices drop in July

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:29:05 -0000

With seven out of 10 homes that have gone on the market this year still waiting to find a buyer, sellers are at last beginning to cut asking prices, says the latest market survey from Rightmove.

Susannah Wright looks for some inspiring ideas and popular garden themes at the Royal Horticultural Society’s flower show at Tatton Park

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:26:27 -0000

Ah yes, the Great British summer – sunshine and showers, along with a jumper or coat to enjoy the barbecue…

A heavenly home in the Alps... for a cool £1.5m

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:30:13 -0000

Wealthy investors, international home collectors and rich young entrepreneurs are the target audience for 10 new homes planned in a stunning Swiss Alpine location.

The apartments present a rare opportunity for investors to buy a home in the usually restricted Swiss market but come at a price. A one bedroom apartment at the 51 degree spa resort is going to set you back £1.5m.

Freehold issues

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:04:17 -0000

Q My neighbours and I have paid ground rent of £15 per annum for 40 years.

Your own sanctuary at home

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:57:36 -0000

Do you yearn for a place to unwind and escape?

Follow Gabrielle Fagan’s simple steps to create a spa, outdoor oasis, kitchen corner and a hobby hideaway.

New office for Bridgfords

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:43:05 -0000

The biggest agency in the country, Bridgfords Countrywide, has shown its faith in Manchester by investing in a new office that will become its regional hub.

It’s a mark of intent by the firm which believes the city will continue to see strong property growth.

A townhouse transformation

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:34:23 -0000

Jill Burdett discovers how one of a terraced row of eight properties built during Manchester’s city living boom was given a whole new treatment.

Waiting game

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:06:23 -0000

Q I have a charge over the house of somebody who owes me money.

Luxury end of the Spanish property market is in demand

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:42:23 -0000

While the lower end of the Spanish property market is still struggling, it’s a different story for those with a few million Euros to splash out on a holiday home.

Jill Burdett reports.

Promise problem

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:43:29 -0000

Q My best friend died a few months ago. We had been friends for 60 years, and she mentioned several times that I was to receive most of her property when she died.

How to raise a glass in style

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:29:48 -0000

Fed up with fighting your way to the bar for expensive drinks? Eve Kelly, editor of Homes & Bargains, assembles some low-cost designer accessories for a great night in.

Gabrielle Fagan reports

Is a prenuptial agreement right for us?

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:01:24 -0000

Q My partner is considering moving into my house.

Region allocated £22m to help first-time buyers get their own home

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:42:00 -0000

The north west has been allocated more than £22m from the Homes and Communities Agency to help first-time buyers get their own home.

The money is being allocated to 1,580 properties built by 33 different housebuilders right across the region. FirstBuy is the government initiative announced in the budget to help buyers by offering an interest-free loan to cover up to 20 per cent of the asking price.

Homes set to spark new life in Hattersley

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:16:59 -0000

A new community hub and lots of new homes – from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom family houses.

Jill Burdett reports on a major regeneration scheme.

Fallowfield property developer Sian in TV contest to find the best builder's bum

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:50:08 -0000

Manchester property developer Sian Astley is battling it out with other builders - over who has the best bum.

Service charges seem far too high

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:37:41 -0000

Q We are a group of pensioners living in sheltered housing accommodation run by a housing association.

Nautical inspiration for your home

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:27:27 -0000

Think upmarket seaside sanctuary for this season’s on-trend interiors.

Energy: The new hot topic for homes

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:06:30 -0000

A home’s energy efficiency will soon be as important as the nearest school or train station.

Jill Burdett reports.

Can they rename our block of flats?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:54:10 -0000

Q We bought a flat on a 999-year lease in the 1960s. There’s a management company that administers the common areas, and they employ another firm as agent.

Whole generation abandons hope of buying a home

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:48:26 -0000

According to recent reports, Britain is moving towards a more European model of housing as a whole generation abandons hope of ever buying their own home and resigns themselves to renting.

Will son’s divorce put home at risk?

Fri, 27 May 2011 10:02:16 -0000

Q My son wants to buy my house but let my wife and I live in it until we die. The trouble is, my son is talking about getting a divorce, so where would we stand if my son’s wife wanted her share of our property?

A hi-tech home right from start

Fri, 27 May 2011 09:55:21 -0000

In complete contrast to Sue’s low-key villa, is Bowden House, just down the road in Wilmslow.

Technology was built in from the start and its various functions can be programmed from anywhere in the world just as long as your iPad can get a connection.

Style far from the cutting Edge

Fri, 27 May 2011 09:46:50 -0000

If you think the exterior of Sue Stewart’s Italianate villa in Alderley Edge is extravagant, wait till you get inside. The house is one of the town’s classics, built of ornate brick and beautifully proportioned, tucked away in a third of an acre of gorgeous gardens a short stroll from the centre.

Foot in the door

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:28:26 -0000

Q I bought my own house three years ago, and have spent thousands renovating it. I was considering asking my girlfriend of two years to move in with me, but various people tell me that after six months she would be classed as my common law wife. Is this true, and would she therefore be entitled to half the house if we were to split up two years down the line?

Chic, affordable new builds

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:16:36 -0000

Buyers moving north can not only cash in on the geographical price difference, but the fact that asking prices here have also been cut over the last two years.

Whereas London and the south east has not seen values fall, some parts of the north west have seen reductions of 20-25 per cent,
making buying here even more affordable.

Ideal for those media relocaters, this Didsbury home is bang up to date

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:08:43 -0000

Sophia Fleming would love to bag a cash rich buyer from the BBC.

She and her husband spent eight months gutting and updating this large Edwardian semi on Holmwood Road in Didsbury and it’s ready to move into.

BBC newcomers get a helping hand to feel at home in north.

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:58:06 -0000

How do you make the move from one end of the country to another? The first of the BBC staff have started work out of their colourful new offices at MediaCityUk and every weekend for the next 36 weeks more staff will be moved in to this northern outpost.

A solo ‘holiday’

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:38:09 -0000

Q My girlfriend and I are hoping to buy a flat together. I am a first-time buyer and so eligible to take advantage of the stamp duty ‘holiday’

Strong sale for terraces

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:31:02 -0000

Unsurprisingly, the clever and classy conversion of Victorian terraces in Moss Side into large, super-efficient family homes has seen strong interest with an impressive 42 properties sold in eight weeks.

Which means more than half the homes have now been snapped up.

How you can save energy too

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:18:10 -0000

Confidentiality prevents us from revealing the size of Rio’s energy consumption, but here are some of the ways he was advised to save energy.

Green Deal aims to cut energy costs

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:08:28 -0000

The Coalition government continues its determination to get the nation more eco-friendly with the on-going passage of its Energy Bill in the Commons this week.

Its lauded aim is to ensure our homes and workplaces are better insulated and foster the creation of more green energy jobs.

I shared house with ex by accident

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:39:39 -0000

Q I had a bad accident at work and used half the compensation I received to buy our council house. Now my partner has left me after 26 years and set up home with another man, and wants half the value of the property.

An ecological grand design

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:34:40 -0000

Kit Knowles has turned his arts and crafts house into a sustainable superhome. Jill Burdett reports

Shared equity schemes tempt first-time buyers

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:27:52 -0000

The first new houses in Manchester city centre for years are being snapped up by buyers.

The mews properties are part of the Eastbank scheme on Great Ancoats Street and the first seven to be released have all been bought off plan.

Could his children force me out?

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:30:05 -0000

Q I have two small children and live with my partner. His two daughters have left home. I have a 20 per cent share in our house. My partner is ill and has changed his will to leave his daughters a considerable amount of money and his share of the house. Could the daughters force me out if my partner died?

Finally, our dream is a reality

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:25:50 -0000

Selling our home in Bury was a heart wrenching decision and only came about because we had finished all the work on the garden and if we had done any more it would have been over planted and in time would have been ruined.

Feet under the table...

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:25:50 -0000

Q My daughter wants to buy a house and has a £40,000 deposit to put down. How can she protect this from her boyfriend.

Part ownership could be route to your own home

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:21:28 -0000

There’s a lot going on around Wythenshawe right now. The £15m investment to create an Airport City with new leisure, conference and commercial centres.

Live your golden years in style

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:15:19 -0000

Personally, I have never been comfortable with the concept of retirement villages.

Can he evict noisy neighbours?

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:14:32 -0000

Q My neighbour rents out his property to some young people who are causing lots of problems

Transformation time for terraces

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:54:13 -0000

Jill Burdett looks at a scheme to bring new life to traditional housing in Moss Side. It’s a masterful solution to the problem of what to do with these ageing Victorian properties . . .

Just sit back and enjoy the view

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:52:56 -0000

Iconic cityscapes add a unique touch to any room. Gabrielle Fagan shows you how to get the look

Will payout end her benefits?

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:40:19 -0000

Q My daughter was seriously injured in a car accident two years ago. It’s unlikely she will be able to work again.

Making room for romance

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:33:58 -0000

Now you can celebrate Valentine’s Day every day by embracing the new romantic style writes Gabrielle Fagan

Make a date with plot 225

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:27:56 -0000

The four bedroom house at Plot 225 at Stamford Brook, Altrincham must be feeling a little unloved at the moment.

Plain sailing at The Boatyard

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:19:32 -0000

They have been feeling the love down at The Boatyard in Worsley recently with £3m of sales so far this year.

Show me The Way to love...

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:11:08 -0000

Lovell’s innovative new homes at The Way have more than just good looks to make them attractive.

Exchange at the Grange

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:10:17 -0000

Kelly Roden and partner Craig Starr didn’t exactly fall out of love with their old home they just fancied the idea of more space and a brand new home.

21st century living in Gin Pit Village

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:09:46 -0000

Jill Burdett visits a development with a memorable name, and even more memorable homes

Now pastor Reji is a Maine man

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:49:57 -0000

Moss Side pastor Reji Varghese and his wife Reena have made a major commitment.

Kelly’s Valentine start to a new home

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:43:09 -0000

Kelly Roden has fallen in love with a brand new home. She loves the super sleek kitchen, new bathrooms and clean walls.

Worry over wife’s mortgage for my son

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:16:54 -0000

When my son married, his wife already had a mortgage in her own name. For a number of years he has been paying two mortgages.

A bathrooms bonus . . .

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:11:07 -0000

Lesley Moors and husband Paul moved into their house, a handsome villa in Altrincham, four years ago, after it had been gutted and renovated by a builder.

New life for the property market

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:03:48 -0000

House sales in December fell to their lowest levels for eight years with the dreadful weather conditions exacerbating an already slow market.

Homebuy lives on with Jones

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:56:45 -0000

Jill Burdett sees how one developer is continuing a successful scheme started by the government

Delight at part-exchange scheme

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:55:18 -0000

The sluggish sales market is stopping many people from making a move – but not Holly and David Walton.

Offering a ‘nearly new’ deal

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:53:59 -0000

Didsbury Point is one of the most intriguing offerings around.

There’s help to own your own home

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:52:35 -0000

Attractive incentives are there to help you towards buying, writes Jill Burdett

Manchester Evening News - RSS Feed

Could I be forced to leave the house?

Some handy tips to improve your kitchen

Design, space and style at the latest development in Ancoats, The Guts

Do I follow wishes of will or deathbed?

Classic style is black and white

Housebuilder Morris five-star rating at Charlestown

A derelict former asylum in Macclesfield has been brought back to life

Proprty law and you

From brewery to apartments

Top tips for fitting a great wooden floor

Friendly landlady offering homes-from-home for theatrical folk in Whitefield

A Magic way to clear clutter

Enjoy the super soft luxury of 100 per cent cashmere with these beautiful blankets, reduced from £350 to just £170 each.

Sink into a real bargain

Home is still liable for inheritance tax

Time to fight back against hoarding

Light a fire and make your home warmer, cosier and more sellable

Sian Astley: I’ve built a career out of getting my hands dirty

Tackling a job at home? Here’s how

Is my daughter in a vulnerable position?

Wish your PVC wasn’t so white?

Retirement apartments ‘experience’ offered free

How can I best clear my business debts?

NewBuy Scheme is step on ladder for buyers

The massive forthcoming development of Airport City may make new a Wythenshawe housing scheme take-off

Are children taking siblings’ inheritance?

Regeneration continues apace in a corner of Salford

Would mum face claim for share of house?

Get ready for a big night in

Bounce-back coming ... but it will be slow

The advantages of buying new

How much can I get from sale of house?

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by lavishing a little TLC on your home

Chelsea on a five-year fixed-rate mortgage mission

Head for the heights to gain space

The upwardly mobile home

A sinking feeling over our flat charges

A comfortable retirement

Helping you say buy, buy to home-ownership hassles

I’m trying to resolve a path problem

Scheme helping to make an area Miles better

Designer looks on a shoestring

Homebuyers shatter records searching for houses

Having a bit on the side brings a return

Could the children live with me?

Here’s a look that is tiles better

NW site boss wins building ‘Oscar’

With Burns Night approaching, turn on the tartan charm with this selection of Scottish-themed homeware

A home that stops the traffic!

Finding a fresh approach to a chilly past

Ex-wife wants half the equity in our home

Metrolink to run 50 yards from my house

Interiors: Go for colour in year ahead

Inside stories with expertise

Great gift ideas for the home

Where can I find title deeds to my house?

Mortgage fees explained

Tips to make your table a Christmas cracker!

Can they force me to sign or sell property?

Mortgages and poor credit ratings

Restoration specialists PJ Livesey believe they have struck gold with a landmark site

Husband wants my daughter out of the house

Struggling with your mortgage?

Switch on . . . to the light fantastic

Flats shortage risk says­ specialist

Housing market shrugs of eurozone woes to be remarkably resilient

Is it time to join the solar set?

Could an act of kindness make aunt homeless?

Interest-only versus repayment mortgages

Awards time for Carolyn and team

Eco design a prize winner

Can owners block my right to use gate?

Ski-sy does it ... why not try some chalet chic!

Getting your child on property ladder

It makes sense to buy your freehold

Being warm doesn’t have to cost the earth

Produce your own electricity – and generate extra income

Beating big chill without a big bill

Here’s a will that needs urgent attention

Flats shortage risk says specialist