Is there a summer buying season?

It's safe to say that deciding to buy or sell a house is backed by one of two mindsets; an impulsive desire to change your life or a well-thought through strategic next step.

There's nothing to say which approach is the right one, or indeed the most lucrative, but each do require some sort of plan beyond the initial big decision.

So, if moving house has come from a moment of spontaneity, rational thinking will need to kick in at some point to make sure you are getting the best deal. Key considerations should include mortgage interest rates, the type of house you're looking for, where you'd like to live and how the housing market is currently stacking up for buyers.

The ultimate question is: 'Is now really a good time to move?'

With summer (more than one consecutive day of sunshine) in full swing, we should also consider moving house in the context of the seasons. And although this comes with much debate, there is a lot to be said for buying in the summer.

Everything looks better in the summer. The days are longer, the evenings are brighter, the gardens are greener and houses generally look happier (although there is something appealing about the coziness of a log fire in the winter). Summer brings with it a sense of get up and go. People are inspired and enthusiastic - give them a project and it is generally achieved.

After the mayhem of the spring house buying season, and before the autumn flurry, summer tends to be a little quieter. Lots of people favour holidays over houses meaning your choice of properties could be limited. The good news is that new developments don't tend to be affected by the holiday season either and you could find the perfect plot to put your own mark on and make your home.

It's can also a good season to bag yourself a property that's perhaps been on the market for a while. Sellers that haven't sold in the spring may not want to hold out until the autumn, and therefore a strong offer (that may not be the highest) could seal the deal. Play into the hands of the seller and present your benefits. Offer them a cash deal if it's an option. Equally as appealing is a quick turnaround as a result of a short chain. People have put their house on the market to sell, and there's nothing more disheartening than it just sitting there.

Summer may be the season that you just make the decision to buy a new house. If this is the case you have the time to put the wheels in motion before the October rush hits. Make the most of the good weather to explore the areas you'd like to live, and get a feel for the type of houses that are available; they'll almost certainly be looking their best right now. And, if you're able to move quickly, there's the incentive to be in and settled for Christmas (without sounding too cliché).

Check out our locations, developments and homes to see if there's one for you.

Baston in the Blitz. It’s the real deal.

This hugely popular event is returning for another year to the beautiful and vibrant village of Baston.  

Held over the weekend of the 4th and 5th August, Baston in the Blitz is a 2-day WW2 and military extravaganza and this year’s event is set to be the biggest and best yet.  

Steeped in history and with an atmosphere to match, it’s the perfect trip out for individuals and families alike. The line-up includes thrilling battle re-enactments, firepower demonstrations, The Blitz Dancers and a Punch & Judy show, not to mention a wide variety of delicious food, drink and refreshments.  

And with over 60 trade stalls, 70 display groups and more than 500 WW2 re-enactors, it’s a weekend not to be missed. Be transported back to the 1940s and celebrate the music, style and spirit of Britain’s finest hour. We are!  

With Baston being home to our over-55s development, The Croft, we’re fully embracing true community spirit with a stall at this huge event. It’s a great opportunity to be a part of something special locally, perfectly showcasing the essence of life in Baston; a friendly and tranquil village with a very welcoming feel.  

Why not pop along and see us, we’d love to tell you more about these exclusive communities we’re creating. The Croft developments are based on independent living combined with the health and social benefits of being part of a wider community.    

So, while you’re enjoying the life and times of the 1940s, take a quick trip over to our stall or take a visit to The Croft at Baston where our teams will be delighted to meet you. We’ve got lots of goodies to give away and a prize draw (complete with a Pimm’s Hamper star prize) for you to take part in.  

Until 18 August, you can also receive free flooring on any plot purchase at The Croft. It’s more than just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle choice too.  

Call our sales office today on 07917 761020 or visit The Croft at Baston for more information.  

In the meantime, enjoy the Blitz!

Host your own kids' holiday club

Schools out! The six-week summer holidays are loved by children, but almost certainly feared by most parents.

In the grand scheme of things, six weeks is not a long time, but when you're faced with making sure every minute is filled with fun and frivolities, it can be a little daunting (if not a little stressful).

But, with some forward planning and creative thinking, you can nail it from the comfort of your own garden. All you need is some basic kit, good company and an aperitif planned for the early evening.

A planner is almost essential and, in today's crazy world, who doesn't love a good spreadsheet detailing who's where and when. Once you've populated it with the necessary childcare and can see the days that you've actually got to fill, the fun begins.

Here's just a few ideas to get the summer started:

1) A teddy bear's picnic

This is a surefire winner for children and parents alike. Fill your garden with picnic rugs, outdoor toys, delicious food and a few sweet treats (bear-shaped shortbreads are just perfect). Play party games like pass the parcel and musical statues. You could even create a magical treasure hunt with prizes; every child loves a prize. And don't forget to ask the children to bring their favourite teddy bear for some sort of show-and-tell. As long as the Pimm's is flowing, parents will be happy.

2) Crafty kids

Set up lots of stations outside and prepare yourself for messy play. If you're going to brave a crafty afternoon, don't hold back, you might as well get really messy. Painting, Crazy Sand, Play Doh, cutting and sticking, glitter and even face painting should be on the menu. Have a washing line ready to hang the artistic creations to dry and make the clearing up fun with some well-intended bribery; a tidying-up race is always well-received.

3) Summer splashing

Have a bit of a pool party - rest assured the paddling pool will suffice; particularly where your water meter is concerned. These soaring temperatures are an invitation for children to unveil this season's swimwear and to spend hours getting wet, without a care in the world. Throw in a slippery slide, some water pistols and the obligatory water fight and it will be an afternoon well spent. Completed perfectly with some ice-cold summer punch and retro ice creams (Choc Ices all the way).

4) The big summer camp out

There isn't much that's more exciting than camping out in your own back garden; the real beauty being the easy access to your own shower and toilet! Get the children involved in pitching the tent and setting up camp with roll mats, camping chairs and cooking equipment. Have a BBQ feast for dinner and, if you're brave enough, go for toasting marshmallows on an open fire and making everyone's favourite s'mores for dessert. 

Make this summer all about #makingmemories and, with these four simple ideas, you're well on your way. They all involve lots of activity and great socialising. Best of all, it's a bit of cost-effective fun in your own back garden. What could be better?

'Tis the season for DIY

The sunshine has to be one of the most anticipated elements of summer. It gets us outdoors, brings imagination to life and inspires us to get motivated.

In fact, it seems to turn people into raging DIY fanatics. All of those jobs that have sat dormant during the winter months suddenly carry great appeal. Tool boxes are dusted off, proudly carried by men dressed for the occasion (cue shorts and obligatory muscle vest).

The prospect of 'outdoor living' makes the garden an exciting challenge. But, is it a case of a quick tidy up or are we talking a whole garden redesign?

Here are a few places to start:

1) Quick wins

Simply getting the paint out can achieve a certain wow factor on its own. And with some amazing shades of grey and blue hitting the airwaves, a garden fence or decking area can be completely transformed in no time. Similarly, garden furniture can benefit when there's a revamp afoot. A whole new look can be achieved with a lick of paint and be finished to perfection with some simple accessories; wind-lights, pretty candles, co-ordinating cushions and beautiful napkins to name just a few.

2) Get green fingered 

Sprucing up the garden also plays into the hands of those wanting to achieve a refreshed look. It could be a great time to create that longed-for vegetable patch or even just a small herb garden. The sense of achievement when you actually deliver home produce to the table is well worth it. But, if this is a step too far, then you can simply add some new plants, create sections with over-sized mediterranean-style pots or add a touch of elegance with herb-inspired hanging baskets.

3) Add more space 

For the more enthusiastic among us, there's always the option to add a summer house to the landscape. With an abundance of choice across style, size and shape, there's bound to be one for your garden. What better way to spend a summer evening than sitting on your very own summer house verandah, sipping an ice cold something?

4) Light it up

Then there's the lighting - another great addition to any outdoor space that can create the most magical backdrop for alfresco dining. With your DIY hat on, you can go crazy with the colours, the twinkling and the location to make sure that you create a range of stunning effects to highlight the best bits of your new found garden.

5) Don't forget maintenance 

When you've finished having fun and being creative, you can add clearing the gutters, washing the windows, mowing the lawn and jet washing the patio to your summer DIY radar. It's all in the name of owning and maintaining your own home after all.


The good news is that by time the autumn is upon us, those indoor DIY jobs will still be waiting. So don't quash the momentum and pack up the tool kit. Instead, enjoy the indoors safe in the knowledge that your garden looks fantastic.

Do you know your muddling from your shaking?

We hit the month of June and instantly start to look forward to long summer days, where you can sit outside for hours just watching the world go by. The patio sets have had their annual clean, the parasol is set to provide the shade and the children are dancing and skipping through the magical waterfall you've created with the sprinkler.

Sounds perfect, right?

Add in the chance to sip something cool and refreshing and you have that instant feeling of being on holiday. It's like creating your own little haven, right there in your garden.

It's a summer cocktail culture; the chance to mix up some amazing concoctions that always taste their best outside - in the sunshine. Whether it's a backyard BBQ or a garden picnic, the chance to create something refreshing, seasonal and delicious should not be missed.

And don't hold back. Let your imagination go crazy. Try different flavours, add new mixers, throw in the herbs and decorate with a fresh garnish. Cocktails are supposed to tempt the taste buds if nothing else.

Grab a glass and treat yourself to a summer cocktail, packed with ice and brimming with big summer flavours.

So, where to start?

Make the most of seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and peaches. Citrus fruits can provide a refreshing twist, guaranteed to wake up those taste buds. Pair with some fragrant herbs for that extra zing; strawberry and basil or watermelon and mint are just a couple of tempters.

For the alcohol element, go with the lighter options such as gin, rum, Aperol or Pimms. And really go for it with the mixers. There's an abundance of amazingly refreshing tonics, sparkling delights and fresh juices out there. Pairing them with the right spirits and accompanying herbs can be great fun. Every cocktail is like a delightful experiment, and you'll soon get to know which combinations work best.

Presentation is key too. Invest in some funky glassware. Mason jars are right on trend and guaranteed to wow your guests. And then there's the garnish. Adorn the glass with fresh fruit, a herb sprig, a colourful straw and maybe a pretty ribbon to finish.

There's so much more to jumping on the cocktail bandwagon than meets the eye, but it's great fun and can be enjoyed all summer. Just remember a wining cocktail is an art and the two things you need to master for the best home cocktails are muddling and shaking; we'll leave it with you!

Your last chance to win £1,000!

Time is nearly up on our customer survey. So, hurry if you want to be in with a chance of netting yourself and your family £1,000.

We launched a survey to get the thoughts and experiences of house buyers. You’ve got until 31 July to take part.

Go to www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-survey to let us have your views.

Complete our survey and we will enter you into our prize draw for a chance to win £500. Agree to a follow up interview and you will be entered in a second draw to win a further £500.

The Larkfleet Homes team is always working to develop new ways to provide the best possible products and services for our customers. We want to know what house buyers really think of the housing market and what they want from housebuilders like us.

To help us, we teamed up with First Time Buyer Magazine, What House and What Mortgage to develop and deliver this comprehensive survey to find out what you, our customer, is really looking for in a new home.

The survey covers everything from the type of property people are looking to buy or have bought (whether it’s for their own use or an investment) through to topics such as location, size and energy efficiency.

It takes less than ten minutes to complete at www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-survey. The survey is being managed by independent marketing company OlsenMetrix Marketing and all the data collected will be anonymous.

What to do if you find hedgehogs in the garden

Glancing out of the kitchen window this morning we spotted a hedgehog getting busy around the lawn. It was broad daylight. Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They are active at night. They may come out at dawn and dusk when the summer nights are short to forage.

If you see one during the day, it’s either unwell, a pregnant hedgehog gathering nesting materials or a recent mum taking a break from the nest to find food and water. You can tell the difference. If it’s unwell and in distress the hedgehog will be slow moving, lethargic or appear to be sun bathing.

In these cases, you should seek expert advice. Pick up the hedgehog carefully, protecting your hands with gardening gloves. Place it carefully in a high-sided box with a towel, fleece or blanket in the bottom for it hide under. Offer meat-based (not fish) cat or dog food and water. Visit the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website for more information on what to do. There is a handy FAQ section here.

If it’s preparing a nest it will be moving around quickly and with a sense of purpose. You don’t need to do anything in this case. In the summer, food should be plentiful. In dry weather leave out water in a low dish and keep it topped up. Leave Mrs Tiggy Winkle to get on with her business and don’t disturb her.

Don’t try and move it on, especially in the breeding season.

Hedgehogs are protected, in England, Scotland and Wales, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 6 and in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985, Schedules 6&7. What this means is they are: “protected from being killed or taken by certain methods under Section 11(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The methods listed are: self-locking snares, bows, crossbows, explosives (other than ammunition for a firearm), or live decoys. The species listed are also protected from the following activities: trap, snare or net, electrical device for killing or stunning, poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substances or any other gas or smoke, automatic or semi-automatic weapon, device for illuminating a target or sighting device for night shooting, artificial light, mirror or other dazzling device, sound recording, and mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit.”

There are loads of things you can do to make your garden hedgehog friendly. There are plenty of ideas here.

• If your garden is fenced, make a hole in the fence at ground level about the size of a CD case for them to get in and out.
• Avoid slug pellets because these are poisonous to hedgehogs.
• Don’t be too tidy. Leave a messy corner of leaves and garden rubbish piled up for them to hide in.
• Never leave out bread and milk for hedgehogs – this can make them very ill.