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Recent articles

  Martin's Blog 11/02/2010 - Great Crested Newt Surveys
Feb 10, 2010
One of the quirks of developing in certain areas of the country (such as Wiltshire where I was last week) is that you'll have to do a Great Crested Newt survey as one of the conditions of planning consent. The great crested newt is Britains largest newt species and is protected by law because of the decline in numbers over recent years caused by the destruction of its habitat. This is one of a group of European Protected Species and ignoring this could have serious consequences.
  Martin's Blog 04/02/2010 - Landlord 'Cannabis Crisis'
Feb 4, 2010
There has been alot of talk in the media surrounding the pressing issue of suburban properties being used as 'Cannabis Factories'. This is becoming a growing concern for landlords, as it seems that majority of cases happen in Buy to Let properties.
  Martin's Blog 01/02/10 - Having a Party in a Derelict Property?
Feb 1, 2010
...No, I'm not about to advertise some Rave or even talk about squatters rights, this article is about a derelict property that I recently visited that was adjoined to another derelict property. The purchaser wanted to demolish his house and rebuild but this raises a few interesting questions about the Party Wall. 
  Adding Value - An extra bedroom
Jan 21, 2010
Undoubtedly, adding an extra bedroom to a property will increase it's value - but by how much? And will the cost of doing any conversion or extension be justified. Read on to find out how the experts would assess the likely financial return on adding an additional bedroom...
  Martin's Blog 20/01/2010 - Bungalow Special
Jan 21, 2010

According to research by the Halifax a few years ago, the happiest type of home in Britain is the bungalow, which is rated by its occupants as an average of 8.15 out of 10 on a 'happiness' scale.And with this choice of dwellings contining to out-perform houses and flats in the property market, what options does a property developer have to 'add value' to a bungalow?
  Property Market Predictions for 2010
Jan 6, 2010
House Prices will plummet in 2010. Whoops, sorry, I meant house prices will rocket in 2010. Hang on a minute, sorry, No. I mean….That got your attention didn’t it! If there’s one thing that doesn’t change in the property market, it’s our fervent desire to try to gauge what the coming months and years have in store for property prices. Its not surprising since our houses are normally the single biggest investment assets that we own. Changes in their value, not only have a direct affect on our personal finances but can alter our overall feeling of financial affluence or otherwise.

So, what do the coming 12 months have in store?
  5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying Overseas Property
Dec 10, 2009
I think it is fair to say that the euphoric rise in the number of people purchasing property abroad that we were experiencing a few years ago has waned considerably in the aftermath of the credit crunch. That's not to say that it is still an appealing venture for many UK investors wanting to have a holiday home abroad. However, following numerous 'scandals' and plenty of stories of unsuspecting buyers coming unstuck, the overseas property buyer of 2010 is a far more diligent animal. Forewarned is forearmed - protect your purchase by avoiding these common buyer mistakes.
  Christmas Gift Ideas for Property People
Dec 3, 2009
Do you have a property developer or investor in the family? Perhaps you are a property enthusiast yourself and are wondering what to put on your Wish List…. Clearly a new bathroom suite is going to cause Great Aunt Mildred a wrapping dilemma, so here are some property related Christmas gift ideas that will fit under the Christmas tree.
  Martin's Blog 03/12/09 - What does Christmas mean to the property enthusiast?
Dec 3, 2009
As we all set our minds to Christmas shopping, strategies for coping with the ‘in-laws, parties and silly stuff, what does the Christmas season spell for the property developer?
  Martin's Blog 18/11/09 - University Student Applications on the Increase
Nov 18, 2009
Earlier this month, UCAS (Universities Admission Service) announced that the first figures on the numbers applying for UK university places next year (2010) shows a 12% increase on this year. What does this mean for demand for student rental accommodation?
 
more articles >>
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Radio 4 MoneyBox


Martin recently joined other property experts on BBC Radio 4's MoneyBox Programme to discuss the property market moving into 2010.

Click here to download this feature.

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Jeremy Vine Show

Martin appeared on Jeremy Vine's Money Spot (BBC Radio 2) and spoke about the state of the property market in the UK and why now is a good time to consider buying.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE INTERVIEW
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