London's new garden squares
London is already the greenest capital in Europe, with homeowners enjoying more than 600 garden squares. And the good news is that there are more to come.
As the BBC move out, Shepherd's Bush switches to a new programme
As Aunty leaves the Bush the borough seizes the opportunity to create a proper neighbourhood.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Revealed: from Reading to Redhill – the top 20 commuter stations
Choose your route. Our exclusive property buyers’ guide shows travel times, costs and house prices.
My design London - Russell Norman
Owner of Polpo, Spuntino and Polpetto restaurants in Soho, and da Polpo and Mishkin's in Covent Garden, restauranteur Russell Norman opens up on his favourite London haunts.
Find a rated tradesman
Want to add value to your property, make your house a home, or sell your place fast? With 1,000s of tradesmen nationwide, rated and recommended by previous customers, this is the smart way to find a reputable tradesman.
Buy of the week: Camden Town
This two-bedroom flat has a pretty park on its doorstep, while buzzing Camden Town is only 10 minutes’ walk away. Big sash windows and high ceilings give a spacious feel and there’s a private garden with a studio/home office (£525,000).
Swap of the week: Willersey, Glouc
This little Cotswolds beauty is just across the road from the village green and duck pond. For £530,000 you get beams, exposed stone walls and an open fireplace, plus four bedrooms, a useful attic room and lush gardens to enjoy.
Life-changer: Trescowe, Cornwall
For a project brimming with potential, what about this coastal home, yours for £545,000? The family space includes six bedrooms, while its collection of outbuildings overlooking an acre of gardens could become income-generating holiday lets.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Property search
How do I tackle selling at auction?
Our lawyer, Fiona McNulty, advises on how to prepare for selling property at an auction
© Merrily Harpur
As I am in my seventies I don’t want the hassle of restoring them or finding new tenants. Someone suggested I sell them all at auction but where do I start?
Answer: You could sell only the two houses that have become empty, or sell all five, even though three have tenants, because some investors want to buy tenanted properties. Either way, selling at auction needs preparation.
You’ll need a Home Information Pack and an Auction Pack, both of which can be offered to prospective buyers. The Auction Pack will include a Special Conditions of the Contract document, which your solicitor can prepare, and a Particulars of Sale document, which the auctioneer will prepare.
There will also be a local authority search, any other searches and your replies to standard enquires. Details of tenancies should also be included. This will ensure that the buyer has as much information as possible prior to the auction. Decide with the auctioneer whether there should be a reserve price.
If the bids do not reach the reserve price then the property will not be sold. Your solicitor should attend the auction to deal with any queries and to produce copies of any documents that are required. You can attend the auction or leave everything to your solicitor and the auctioneer.
What's your problem?
If you have a question for Fiona McNulty, email legalsolutions@standard.co.uk. We regret that questions cannot be answered individually.
Fiona is a partner in the property team at Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons Solicitors www.ttuk.com.
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