Recent Articles

Ask Martin about...Cutting Costs on Self Build (in: Ask Martin)
Jun 10, 2010

“I am looking to self build a property later this year and would love some advise on how I can keep costs down without compromising on my dream home?”

Martin's Blog 10/06/2010 - Urban Reclamation (in: Martin's Blog)
Jun 10, 2010

Occasionally, I get to report from disused industrial premises which have been sold at a residential property auction to buyers with dreams of converting them back into housing or community projects. Usually, these sites are located in cities or their suburbs and often benefit from good transport links and communications infrastructure.

Martin's Blog 03/06/2010 - The Plot of Gold at the end of your Garden (in: Martin's Blog)
Jun 3, 2010

All too often, fantastic investment properties get overlooked in the auction catalogue because they don’t look that appealing when judged by themselves. Yet, by reading the small print, or better still, taking a drive-by viewing of the lot, it could be revealed that the real value is not in the property itself but the garden. Houses with huge gardens should scream ‘building plot’ – and the land may well be worth more than the property itself.

So, what if you want to buy a house with a large garden and build another property(ies) in the grounds? What are the issues?

Martin's Blog 27/05/2010 - Buying Land (in: Off Market Deals)
May 27, 2010

Martin's Blog 20/05/10 - Building in a National Park (in: Martin's Blog)
May 20, 2010

The idea of building in a National Park might sound pretty daunting unless you are an experienced property developer. Certainly, there is a perception that there will be an awful lot of red tape and no guarantee that planning permission will be granted at all! But for those brave enough to venture down this route, it may be that things aren’t as complicated as they sound - and just as elsewhere in the country, even National Parks have a need to provide affordable housing for its residents. Needless to say, if planning permission can be obtained, the finished homes are likely to benefit from beautiful surroundings and potentially breathtaking views.

Ask Martin about... Property on Duchy Land (in: Ask Martin)
May 20, 2010

“My husband and I are hoping to retire later this year and downsize our home to a property on Dartmoor. I have found a few houses that look interesting, but a couple of them are on Duchy Land. What does this mean and what would our rights be?”

Ask Martin about...After The Gavel Falls (in: Ask Martin)
May 13, 2010

“I recently purchased a property at auction but when I went to visit it (approx 2 weeks later), the property had been broken into and various things had been stolen. Can I do anything to recover my losses?”

Ask Martin about...Tree Preservation Orders (in: Ask Martin)
May 13, 2010

“I have recently inherited my late mother’s house which has a large tree in the front garden. I’ve been told that this has a Tree Preservation Order attached to it. What does this mean and can I have the tree cut back at all since it overshadows much of the property? ”

Ask Martin about...dealing with rent arrears (in: Ask Martin)
May 13, 2010

“I have recently invested In my first Buy to Let property and things were going well until last month when the tenant asked for a delay in paying the rent. I agreed to this but since then he has been late paying again and I am worried that this situation is going to get worse. What can I do to rectify the matter? ”

Ask Martin about...Woodworm (in: Ask Martin)
May 13, 2010

“I am hoping to buy the property next door to where I currently live as a Buy to Let investment but the agent tells me there is woodworm in the roof. What is the likely impact of this and is my property at risk of getting it too?”