Our opening times over the Christmas and New Year period

If you are looking for a new home during the holiday period, our opening times are below:

Thursday 24 December - closed
Friday 25 December - closed
Saturday 26 December - closed
Sunday 27 December - closed

Monday 28 December - open 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 29 December - open 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 30 December - open 10am - 5pm
Thursday 31 December - open 10am - 5pm

Friday 1 January - closed

Saturday 2 January - open 10am - 5pm

Some developments have slightly differing times to those above, so please check individual sites as well.

 

Everyone at Larkfleet Homes wishes you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

UK property remains a great investment

The UK property market continues to be one of the most popular in the world, mainly due to the wide variety of properties available at differing price levels.

Will it remain a good investment going forward?  We think so...

The UK remains one of the most economically stable countries in the EU and has not been affected by the troubles much of Europe has struggled with as the Euro continues to fluctuate.  Historically, we have a stable economy and there is no reason for this to change in the foreseeable future.  This stability has created the perfect base for our thriving property market.

The lack of affordable housing is an issue, of course, and will remain so as we strive to catch up with the shortfall.  The changes to buy-to-let regulations may take some of the steam out of the market but the need for housing remains high.  Recent reports, such as the LendInvest Buy to Let Index, identified some of the best areas in the UK to look for buy-to-let investments.  This report shows Peterborough as being amongst the top areas to own a buy-to-let property.

If you are looking for a long-term home for your money, then take a look at our developments in and around Peterborough, which include Hempsted Park, Whittlesey Green and Parson's Prospect new homes.  Each development offers new homes for first time buyers, professionals working in and around Peterborough and Cambridge or growing families.

New home decorating trends for 2016

Decorating your new home is always exciting - and for those buying their first home in 2016, there is a new look for everyone!

We've seen a leaning towards feminine colours using pastels, soft home fabrics and upholstered furniture. These create a soft atmosphere when they are mixed with traditional interior design furniture ideas, contemporary minimalist style or rustic textures.  Colours are fresh and creative, mixing soft pinks and golden shades.

Adding a touch more gold seems to be on trend too.  Using interior paint, ceramic home decorations, fabrics or tile designs in golden colours is going to be a strong look in 2016.

For those who like to bring the outside in, nature-inspired rooms will be all the rage.  Hues of natural, neutral colours including black, brown, white, soft green and grey tones are all great for modern rooms in new homes.

Wallpaper remains in vogue with fresh geometric prints and feature prints.  Colour is back - but with these different hues and in varying strengths depending on your taste.

If you are looking for a new home, don't forget our Larkfleet showhomes are open between Christmas and New Year.  Drop by and you can not only look for your new house, but you can pick up some inspiration from our designer, Helen Hick.

Understanding a new Help-to-Buy ISA

The newly launched Help-to-Buy ISA has the aim of helping those wanting to purchase their first new home to make the most of their savings.

First time buyers who use the ISA to save for their first home will be handed £50 for every £200 they save.  The first £200 monthly payment can be boosted by an initial deposit of £1,000.  The government will add a bonus amount to this initial deposit of £250.

For savers to take advantage of the government's maximum contribution of £3,000 they will need to save £12,000 in their Help-to-Buy ISA.

The Telegraph Money page has calculated it will take just over four and half years (55 months) for a first time buyer to save up to the maximum £12,000, which will then be topped up by the government's contribution of £3,000.  To reach this conclusion, The Telegraph assumes that the initial contribution of £1,000 will be made and from then on £200 per month is invested.  They have not taken into account the varying rates of interest offered by providers so this amount may be reached slightly earlier or later depending on the choice of provider.

The Help-to-Buy ISA is intended for house purchases and can only be used by residential buyers.  As with all things, there are terms and conditions which are ably explained by The Telegraph.

However, for those intending to purchase their new home in the near future, the Help-to-Buy ISA offers a step towards this goal.

How about a brand new house in one of Britain's finest places to live?

Anvil Mews in Stamford is a stunning new development by Allison Homes.  Situated just outside the old town walls of Stamford, it is an exclusive collection of ten stone town houses which are built in keeping with this historic and pretty town.

Anvil Mews has been designed to offer contemporary, luxury living with high quality interior fittings and design elements. It truly offers you a unique and individual lifestyle opportunity in one of Britain’s best places to live.

Plot 6, the Lomond, is one of the few remaining houses for sale.  It can be yours free of any stamp duty, as we will cover that for you.  The Lomond is a four bedroom home built over three floors.  The master bedroom has both an ensuite and dressing room.  There are two further bathrooms and a shower room, plus plenty of living space and an 'outdoor living' area.

Contact Caroline at anvilmews@allison-homes.co.uk or on 07717 895399 if you would like to hear more.

We're open! Our show homes will be open between Christmas and New Year.

If you are looking for a new start in the New Year and your plans include a new home, the days between Christmas and New Year are perfect opportunities to explore new areas and look at new developments.

So if you are looking for your new home in or around Peterborough, Oakham, Stamford, Eye, Bourne or Baston, drop into one of our show homes and have a look around.

You will be impressed!

Our show homes will be open as follows:

Thursday 24 December  – Closed

Friday 25 December – Closed

Saturday 26 December  – Closed

Sunday 27 December – Closed

Monday 28 December  – Open 10am - 5pm

Tuesday 29 December  – Open 10am - 5pm

Wednesday 30 December – Open 10am - 5pm

Thursday 31 December – Open 10am - 5pm

Friday 1 January – Closed
 

Saturday 2 January – Open 10am - 5pm

 

It's a great time to get a mortgage for a new Larkfleet home

A recent statistical report from the Bank of England notes that the number of mortgage approvals for house purchases was up from 69.012 in September to 69,630 in October.  The report also noted the value of house purchases made in October was £12.2 million.

The increase in the number and total value of loans made for house purchase indicated an uplift in the house market compared with the same period in 2014.

This general revival in lending to individuals was confirmed by the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML). The organisation reported that mortgage lending is currently enjoying its strongest spell since the financial crisis in 2008 and is nearly a fifth higher than a year ago.

It believes that the pick-up in mortgage lending is becoming more broadly-based, following several months of year-on-year growth in lending to first-time buyers, movers and re-mortgage customers.

Mince pies and mulled wine at The Croft, Baston

We enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine today in the clubhouse at The Croft in Baston.

Joining us were residents and new friends, all of whom enjoyed looking around our new clubhouse.  This is a communal facility available to all our residents at The Croft and offers an area where they can enjoy their own hobbies, a catch-up with friends or one of our social events, like today's drop-in.

Our visitors had the chance to look around the new homes on offer.  The Croft development is aimed at those aged 55 years and over and who are looking for a quality built new home for their future.

If you would like to have a look around, please contact Maureen or Dee in our sales office on baston@larkfleethomes.co.uk or call 07825 275820