Hus Estate Agents gains Civil Aviation Authority Permission for Aerial Work

HUS Estate Agents, Truro has become the first estate agents in Cornwall* to gain a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence to use a drone helicopter for commercial purpose to enhance the marketing of their clients’ properties with stunning aerial photography.

The CAA Permission for Aerial Work together with passing a course to become a Qualified Pilot for Commercial Operations with UAV Academy based in the Cotswolds allows Hus to put their marketing 400feet above the competition by using their DJI drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to photograph property within certain safety limitations.

Hus can provide unique aerial photos to compliment those taken from the ground, encouraging prospective buyers to their listings and dramatically increasing saleability. An aerial picture gives potential buyers a better understanding of where the house is situated within the surrounding area. It is an extremely effective way of highlighting local areas of natural beauty, landmarks, rural and sea views.

Additional benefits include: helping a property to stand out from other similar listings to maximise the achievable price, selling a location/lifestyle as well as the property itself and an ability to show the main house with its outbuildings, holiday lets, barns, land etc.in the same photo.

The sales market is fiercely competitive, the provision of this additional unique service puts Hus ahead of their competitors. This is the latest step in a history of innovation in marketing that has led the Truro based firm to be voted the Best Estate Agent in Cornwall two years running (2014 and 2015) at the ESTAS award ceremony hosted by Phil Spencer of Channel 4’s Location Location Location.

*based on online research 10/10/2016

The Hus Guide to... moving house!

We love living our Cornwall lifestyle - and in case you missed them we've written some great 'Insider Guides to life in Truro and Falmouth. It's true we love the beach and we love where we live - and every week we're so pleased to move customers into their new homes around the county.

Sennen, Nr Lands End, Details here

But moving house can be hard. Although the move itself only takes up one day, the periond before and after can be emotionally and physically tiring. And of course the first thing that happens when you get your new keys...you look at piles of boxes and have no idea what to do with them all - or where to locate the kettle for an essential cuppa!

As well as moving home ourselves a few times, we talk lots to the people that we help find a dream Cornwall home. We've learned a few tricks along the way and are more than happy to share our guide to moving house in Cornwall with you.

Top of the list, the more you can decide beforehand, the less stress you will deal with on move day.

If you can, take photos of the home you're leaving behind – layout and placements will likely work for you from the old house to the new, but everything looks different in a new setting and just starting the task can be daunting.

Photo displays can be especially hard to replicate. So if you spent hours figuring out the perfect layout for family snaps in the hallway, chances are you will want to repeat the display in the new place. Taking a quick snap before you take them down will make the putting up in the new place a whole lot easier!

So, what else can we recommend to ease the stress on what can be a very tiring day?

Essentials crate

The minute you start to pack, make a ‘first day essentials’ crate. A large box for everyday essentials will be the last thing you take as you leave the house. From a kettle and teabags, to a favourite bedtime book or a spare bullet charger for your phone, these are the items that you will need as you unpack!

As move day can sometimes be delayed and make for a long day, make sure you pack snacks for the whole family, cereal bars for an emergency breakfast – and instant hot chocolate. There is nothing like hot food or a warming drink to make you feel like you’re at home!

Coloured tape

Work out what you will need first and pack these boxes you will need first with red tape – duvets and covers for bedrooms, phones and chargers for the office, pans and cutlery for the kitchen. 

Don’t slow yourself down trying to figure homes for everything as you unpack – just place boxes on counters and use disposable / picnic items for the first day or so if you can.

Party time

Packing and moving parties are the myth of TV sitcoms, but the chances are your friends or family will be glad to do something to help out. If you are moving a fair distance, ask someone to work out the route to drive there and load it to your sat nav. Or if you have a friend with time on their hands, ask them to find a list of numbers and addresses for the places you will need in those first stressful few days – directions to the local recycling area, the closest supermarket and corner shop and the number for a couple of local take aways!

Clothes

Seriously – don’t pack them! Aside from furniture, clothes take up 4-6 vacuum bags per family member. If your movers are taking chests and wardrobes full, that’s great, but not everyone offers this service. If not, take a roll of extra large bin liners or large vacuum bags and roll clothes still on their hangers 8-12 items at a time. Only the very middle items will crease.

For chests, pack per person / per chest and shove it all in large, strong bags. Buy a cheap pack of flannels and pack these in with your clothes. If items are creased as you unpack, put them in the drier along with a couple of wet flannels for a 30 minute refresher cycle - creases be gone!

And if you're moving this summer - good luck! Enjoy your new home - and if you have a top tip that we missed please share with us on Twitter or Facebook!

If you'd like to be on the move and are looking for a valuation, the Hus team are always happy to help. Find our Property Search here

Why we moved to Cornwall

It is unusual these days to open an article about family life and not read something about an unending quest for work-life balance. And statistics about city life and children raised without the freedoms of their parents’ childhoods are never easy bedtime reading.

And that is exactly how we felt 12 years ago when we were losing between 6 and 8 hours a day to a city commute. And where we stretched weekends in Cornwall visiting family or friends to a late drive home on a Sunday… or even a shuttle at the crack of dawn to beat the M25 traffic and make it to work on time.

But no matter how long we stretched the weekends, or how many times we came, there just never seemed to be enough time. We always planned to relocate, or at least to buy a second home, and were thinking about 7 years distant when our children would be nearing secondary school age.

And then one weekend in early summer we took a long weekend in the hills not far away from the Saints Way, which is a renowned Cornish walk from coast to coast. With sky in every direction and daily discussions about which seaside cove was our favourite and our best, we found ourselves flicking through a local paper after a long lunch by the river.

The ‘perfect’ family home

And there it was, an oldish 3-bed in the middle of a couple of acres of grounds headlined ‘perfect family home’.  And my husband I agreed it was indeed a lovely looking family home – and quite affordable. With an employer that encouraged flexible and home working we started to think that, just maybe, a relocation was within our sights after all.

Fast forward a year and there we were: same beach, same pub for a weekend lunch, just a different place to call home. We didn’t pursue the oldish house in the remote location, we opted instead for somewhere in easy reach of town amenities and where school could be reached without the aid of a car!

Fast forward another couple of years and we were not crushed by the defeat and stress of primary applications and we were confident that both boys would attend the same place with no difficulty. The move had not been without the usual stresses associated with such a big life change, but there was so much to look forward to that we took it all in our stride.

Cornwall is not the out of the way secret destination that it was in my childhood. And while there is no shortage of countryside and beaches, the area makes so much more of the opportunities that the location affords.

Finding a balance

Our work life balance since the move has involved more than its fair share of picnics and BBQs at the beach. But it also takes in regular bike rides, train trips to St Ives (quite simply the most beautiful train ride in the world) and the occasional trip to the Creally Adventure Park if the children are celebrating a birthday.

Food is a much indulged passion in our house and we have enjoyed finding new tastes and places – there simply is no better place in which to enjoy seasonal, local food. There are a fantastic amount of local artisan producers who have revived not only local interest in their trade and skill, but have worked together to make the foodie revival a trend that is enjoyed and embraced by the whole county.

Farmers markets are always worth seeking out, as are the agricultural shows where producers will meet and greet and offer an array of samples to tempt your tastebuds. And mimicking popular supermarket deliveries to take the hassle out of your weekly shop, The Cornish Food Box deliver seasonal and local ingredients straight to your door, regardless of where in the county you live or how tricky it is to drive the van down your lane!

This attention to detail and level of service is something the county is being renowned for more and more, and a huge factor in why so many families are relocating here. There is no longer a feeling of being cut off and away from it all. Road networks are vastly improved in recent years and the high speed train link to London is under way.

Cornwall is one of the fastest Infinity (super fast broadband) connections in the country so we can all work and enjoy leisure time with no compromise. The 4G network is now linking the county better than ever before so, with the occasion of a few secret beaches we know, the communication black spots of old have been eradicated.

The right decision

So, some 12 years on we have found ourselves asking if we made the right decisions. We are dashing back to London a bit more frequently than before and the visitors trundling down the A303 have slowed as some of our long time friends prefer a half term in the Canaries to Cornwall these days!

Our boys are now in their teens and with screen time such a key part of their entertainment sometimes we wonder if they realise that the beach is just a walk away. But they have freedoms that their city dwelling cousins just don’t have. We have no anxieties about after-dark bus trips and they have enjoyed their independence from an earlier age.

Where once we lusted after the large house with the paddock and an apple orchard, now we are pleased to be the ‘in town’ destination where the boys congregate before sports fixtures, or where pizzas are delivered to after a cinema trip!

The quality of schools in the region is second to none and combined with the low crime rate, we are certain that there truly is no better place to raise a family. Our work life balance is better than most, we are part of a thriving and supportive local community – and the local pub has welcomed our kids for family meals from toddler age to teen.

And when we can get them out the door in time there is always a beach to head to for a sausage sandwich. Cooked on the BBQ with sand in our toes and the sea in our sights – simply put, there is no better way to start the weekend!

Find details of our current property listings here

Find out why Hus lovesTruro here

Hus spoke to MumsNet Cornwall for this week's blog post. 

The Hus guide to living in… Falmouth

Falmouth is a thriving waterside university town with a vibrant art and culture scene on the south coast of Cornwall. The town is proud of its maritime heritage and the water is at the heart of key calendar events, such as Falmouth Week, the Tall Ships Festival and Oyster Festival.

The area surrounding the town is a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and this gentle stretch of the South West Coath Path is popular with artists and photographers for good reason.

As well as 2 town beaches, Gyllynvase and Castle Beach, Maenporth and Swanpool beaches are in easy reach of the town centre. Palms line several residential streets and the subtropical gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan are beautiful and breath-taking.

The town is well resourced with independent foodie haunts and retailers and several galleries showcase some outstanding local talent. The National Maritime Museum sits at the heart of the quayside redevelopment and is a popular attraction for families and visitors.

Although a popular holiday destination, Falmouth is not a town of desolate winter holiday lets. The social calendar is busy year round with a variety of events from arts and entertainment, to food and charitable causes.

What to do?
The Falmouth Museum and Art Gallery on The Moor, and Maritime Museum on the quay organise a variety of events year-round, including workshops, film nights and exhibitions. A number of food events bring the best local producers together and the flagship festival celebrates one of the finest local ingredients: the oyster.

Look out for Falmouth Week in the summer when the whole town comes alive to celebrate its sailing heritage, and talents old and new.

The harbour, being the fifth deepest in Europe, is still active and the various vessels can be spotted from any one of the town beaches, making for some interesting activities on the horizon!

As you would expect, water based activities are plentiful and the safety of the south coast beaches make them popular swimming spots for local and visiting families.

Where to eat?
For fish and chips try Rick Stein’s on the quay, or Harbour Lights closer on Fore Street. For fine dining we can’t beat The Cove at Maenporth, and the Asha Indian restaurant on The Moor is one of the best in the county. 

The Wheel House and Star and Garter are popular for lunch and dinner (if you can get a table!) and Dolly’s Tea Room and The Shed, for cocktails or hearty pizzas,  are affectionately placed on the local map.

And shop?
Willow and Stone for quality homewares and Annie Sloan chalk paints. Along with Sweet Pea and Betty, Adore and Cream Cornwall,  Falmouth is fantastic for interiors inspiration. Finisterre and Seasalt are popular Cornish clothing companies and are great for casual and outdoor items. 

Wild Pony stocks seriously cool street and vintage clothing and Déjà vu also stock a fantastic selection of pre-loved and vintage items. Coast Casuals and Sessions are independent surf – lifestyle retailers and sit happily alongside the national brands of Animal, Fat Face and Salt Rock.]

Anything else?

The Falmouth Bookseller is a long-established independent bookshop with top-notch friendly staff and a varied event calendar. The antiques shops are well worth a browse and we can’t pass through without stopping for a coffee at Picnic and grabbing bread or pastries from Baker Tom’s!

Travel & Connections
The train service has been extended and services now run every 20 minutes to and from Truro. The road can be busy in summer, but Helston and Truro are within easy reach, at a 20 minute drive.

What we love

A day on the beach and fish and chips on the harbour wall, or an afternoon crabbing at high tide outside the Maritime Museum or the Pandora Inn, on nearby Restrongruet Creek. Falmouth is lively and independent businesses provide a character and charm that keep trade fresh for everyone who lives or visits here.

Castle Beach is one of the best spots for rockpooling in the county and we love to live like we’re on holiday and take the boat to St Mawes. But for a slightly more energetic day we would hire kayaks from Elemental on Swanpool Beach or spend an afternoon at Pendennis Castle.

Hus Loves: Truro

Truro is an intimate city, and the commercial heart of Cornwall. It is an area we know well, so read on for The Hus guide to living in Truro.

The city boundaries have extended in recent years but despite this increase in size, this is still Cornwall’s city in the country.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre will find you in the heart of the countryside or at the waterside park at Boscawen. A number of beaches are also within easy reach, from Loe Beach for sailing, or to Porthtowan and Perranporth for surfing.

If you’re looking to move here, this cathedral city has all the amenities you need. Waitrose is coming to Truro for 2016 and there are a number of other large supermarkets. There is a good choice of primary and secondary schools, and some 600 independent shops, restaurants and traders keep the city vibrant.

The heart of Truro is busy with national, local and independent retailers and businesses so there is always something new to discover.

The Park & Ride service has eased congestion and the city has enthusiastically embraced café culture! There are more than a dozen independent coffee shops, and most champion the Cornish brand Origin.

The city celebrates the growing interest in international cuisine with a twice yearly Street Food Festival. And outside of this event, there are a selection of places to eat that cater for every taste, budget and time of day.

What to do?

Waterstones bookshop, the Truro Arts Café, Truro library and cathedral all offer a variety of free and paid for events. National tours visit the Hall for Cornwall and the independent Plaza cinema sits at the bottom of Lemon Street (right opposite the Hus office!).

Enterprise Boats sails to Falmouth or to St Mawes. And from cricket to football via squash and distance running, the local sports clubs are both well attended and supported.

Where to eat?
Midtown Deli, Blend 71 and 108 Coffee for breakfasts, coffees and lunches. Saffron and the Falmouth Seafood Café for local and seasonal food and The Old Grammar School for tapas (and cocktails!). 

We like Mannings or Bustophers for a chic menu and strong wine list and The Thomas Daniell or The Heron (at Malpas) for exceptionally good pub grub. We are huge fans of the Kraftworks Mexican street food shack, and Hubspot for top-notch burgers.

And shop?
Alongside the more recognisable retail names are some independent and unique businesses. The Cornish Food Box has a shop and café in town and delivers groceries, food boxes and hampers across the county. For interiors try Illustrated Living or Camellia and for cards and quirky gifts we like Inhabit and Uneeqa.

For more gifts and interior ideas check out The Clementine or The Bay Tree – it is well worth a browse around town if you’re on the look out for something a little different. If you are furnishing a new home, Cotton Mills stocks a range of fabrics and as well as a design service curtains and blinds can be made to measure. 

Truro has no shortage of clothes stores and we love The Little Boutique, Plum, Benetton and Magpie & Fox.

Anything else?
From grooming ourselves to grooming our dogs, Truro has it covered – and everything else in between! We love the Great Escape, Mamouchi and Number 3 for ourselves. And the hounds certainly look better for a trip to Barking & Butch! 

Archie Browns and Hendra Stores stock an enticing range of health foods and ingredients, ethical skincare and supplements and remedies and try Walsingham Place for alternative therapies.

Travel and connections
Truro is a 5-hour high speed train connection to London, or a 40 minute flight to Gatwick. Newquay Airport is continually extending the domestic and international destinations it flies to and airports at Exeter and Bristol are in easy reach, as is the international ferryport at Plymouth.

What we love
Truro has a well deserved reputation as being a lovely place to raise a family. Our great little city has retained its charm, despite the recent dramatic growth, and is a frequent listing in the various ‘best in the UK’ polls. 

There is no substitute for being able to hit the beach within a half hour of finishing work and the choice of quality schools is exceptional, both at primary and secondary level. Whether you live here or work here - or both - there is lots to love about our great little city!

Find out what properties are on the market in Truro here

The London Connection

At Hus, we set out to be a modern, different type of agency. From the start, we wanted to provide something a bit different, but also to present properties in their best light and to help customers achieve the price they wanted.

We could see that most people were using one of the portals, say Zoopla or RightMove, to do their property research, especially if they were looking from out of county. So we paid particular attention to getting our website right and making sure our listings could be easily found on the portals.

A London office?

But we don’t have a London office and sometimes we are asked why not, particularly when there are some other local agents who do. The truth as we see it is that the modern estate agency has changed things for everyone and the internet has made this possible.

Technology is enabling agents to deliver meaningful information regardless of location.

In the past customers needed an office in London because they wanted a real clue of what to find after an 8-hour drive! So the best way to gather information was for a local agent in London to make a connection to their local West Country branch.

The traditionalist agents that persist with this old fashioned London connection approach still have a strong presence in the west country. But do they need it? Why would someone who sold a house in Chelsea get on a tube to Knightsbridge and ask someone about buying a house in Cornwall?

Changing market

The market is changing and agents need to change along with it.  Elaborate details might impress, but we find our discerning buyers are short on time and appreciate our clear website, and concise listings that are clear and easy to navigate.

Having a link with a London estate agent is exhausted now because the searches that come through organically and online are driven by images and short, succinct information. So the need for agents to understand this technology and how it works is key to success.

An interesting take on it is a fact that we do not have a London branch but we sell mid-range houses and 63% of those mid-range properties sold to out of county buyers. These are not second home purchases it is migration and people are doing serious research before they buy.

So now why would an agency put money into branches scattered around the country, when the money could be better spent SEO and all the things that keep your agency and the properties you sell at the top of search engines?

Hus Property Eye 2016 Part 2 – Market Update and Aerial Photography

As anticipated from last month’s property eye review the market continues to be buoyant into 2016. Hus agreed record numbers of sales in the first few weeks of 2016 on properties ranging from £167,500 to £950,000 but mainly in the £300,000 and £700,000 bracket.

 

What can this be attributed to? For the price brackets in and around £150,000 to £250,000 many properties have gone to investment buyers and many have sold with a view to completion by April. As we predicted last month, this is likely because of the stamp duty change. In addition to this, midrange property sales have also been buoyant. But could the midrange properties be attributed to something else?

 

At Hus, we understand that no one knows the houses you are selling as well as you do. We realise that sometimes the features that make it special are never seen by the next potential buyer because the kerb appeal was not enough to get them to the front door!

 

Some properties are just difficult to photograph even with a wide angled lens, and some properties need to be pictured in their surroundings to show them from a different perspective; even if from just 30 feet up. 

 

Others properties benefit from a point of view showing not just the main dwelling, but also the outbuildings, land and surrounding location; and that is where our camera drone comes in.

 

We offer free aerial photography to enable your property to stand out from the crowd on the property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla etc.) and the local press, earning you more viewings from both local and out-of-county buyers. Potentially, this will lead to a sale in a faster time and at a higher price than if the details did not include the aerial shots.

.

This lateral thinking approach has not only facilitated sales for fresh properties to the market to achieve excellent prices; but also properties that may have sat stagnant with other agents for a while and just needed a fresh approach.

 

Now is it the market or our approach? Probably partly both but it certainly doesn’t hurt to choose an agent with a proven track record of marketing properties to achieve their full potential.

 

We will update you further on progress in next month’s Hus Property Eye and also provide an interesting take on the London Connection; fact or fiction?

Hus Property Eye - Stamp Duty

Changes to stamp duty thresholds were announced in the Spending Review and Autumn Statement in September - but what do they mean if you're planning to buy a property in the next 12 weeks? The hike has added 3 percentage points to the stamp duty paid by those who already own property, or investors, but there is no change if you are simply moving your place of residence. 

 

The changes come into effect from April 2016 and, as a result the tax on buy-to-let or second properties will jump. If you are investing in a £250,000 house, for example, the stamp duty bill will be an extra £7,500.

 

In the previous change back in November 2014, stamp duty was reduced and this had a phenomenal effect on the 2015 market: It became far cheaper to buy a house over the £250,000 threshold. Across Cornwall we saw valuations for many local 'mid range' houses jump £15,000-£20,000 and the market has been strong across our region.

 

There is no doubt that the November 2014 improved sale prices, however looking forward to 2016, houses in this price bracket will only continue to be affordable to families if interest rates remain low.

 

The April 2016 stamp duty change means something very different depending on the date of sale. Pre-April is a good time to buy if you're an investor because completing on a purchase before April will mean investors avoid the extra 3% tax for second home owners and investors. Potentially resulting in a busy period for those selling houses that may appeal to this type of purchaser.

 

First time buyers however may find that from April onwards they are in a better position to negotiate and secure a purchase if the number of investors etc. decreases after the stamp duty increase. This group of purchasers might have missed out on properties last year as sellers may not have considered them as good a proposition as an investment buyer if both were bidding on the same property. Once the stamp duty change has come into effect, first time buyers will potentially be in a better position, not least if interest rates remain low.

 

In 2015 prices for properties in Truro and for mid-range properties across Cornwall were pushed up. There was a higher influx of buyers from the South East and Home Counties migrating to Cornwall than we have seen in recent years. But interestingly these buyers were purchasing family homes, not so much investment properties.

 

 

In Hus’s opinion the new year will be buoyant and the trend of achieving full figures for mid range properties will continue; whilst first time buyers will have better prospects of purchasing at the lower end of the market as investors will be more cautious due to the increased stamp duty bill they will face.

Web Watch #1

A Selection of trending stories from around the web and across social networks:

* Young homeowners worried about debt: The Daily Telegraph highlights a report from the Homeowners Alliance which found fears of a rise in interest rates is causing concern amongst younger home owners.  Many have only been able to buy their homes with help such as loans from family, Help to Buy schemes and low interest rates. The Telegraph also comments that the rise in house prices is causing young people  to resort to ‘desperate measures” to get on the housing ladder.

*  Homeowners typically need £1,200 to cover mortgage and household bills:  In some helpful advice from Zoopla, buyers are encouraged to think about their monthly household budget.  Research from the Money Advice Service shows that the average household bill consists of £749/month on the mortgage and £467/month on other bills. The new rules on mortgage lending introduced in April focus on the affordability of taking on a mortgage, particularly in regard to foreseeable events such as having a baby or a rise in interest rates.  This means that mortgage applications are taking longer due to the need to provide evidence of other financial commitments.

* Demand for homes is on the up in Devon and Cornwall:  Finally a local story which appeared in May’s Western Morning News reporting that, according to a recent survey of estate agents, demand for property is on the up.  The study also found that estate agents also expected prices to rise and that confidence has returned to the South West housing market.  However, Cornish sellers were warned that being realistic about the value of their homes was still important.

For all the latest property news follow Hus on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest or Facebook 

Fancy living the Good Life in Cornwall? Here's how.....

If there’s one thing that defines a Cornish summer, it is the thought of a cream tea with lashings of fresh clotted cream and a large bowl of ripe local strawberries to tuck into.  If your cream tea was enjoyed near the Lizard Peninsula, it may well be that those strawberries were grown at Grange Farm

Fernly and Maralyn Curnow have lived near Gweek all of their lives and decided, in 1992, to build a home and plant a few strawberries on the land.  With a background in agriculture and a love of the land, Fernly was perfectly placed to start his enterprise. Over the years, they have run a B&B, served cream teas on the lawn and established a local restaurant. 

Their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit has paid off and today they run a successful business which sells strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries to a wholesaler for distribution in local shops. “We have a number of polytunnels which keeps everything dry and a watering system which saves us watering by hand” says Maralyn.  Despite the poor weather at the beginning of this year, they are looking at a bumper crop this season “I’ve got so many raspberries, I’m not sure how I’m going to pick them all!” says Fernly.  “We planted apple, plum and pear trees recently and last year, Fernly made 54 bottles of wine from our own vines” continues Maralyn

Now the Curnow’s would like to enjoy the fruits of their labours and spend more time with their family. “It’s time to move on and hand the business over to someone else” Maralyn explained “We’ve enjoyed it so much and met many lovely, friendly people over the years” Fernly concludes “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us and we want to say a big ‘Thank you’.  However I’m looking forward to having a bit more time with my grandchildren”.  They have joined the National Trust and are relishing the prospect of spending more time visiting gardens and on Coverack Beach, perhaps even enjoying a cream tea.

How best to find a solution for Radon

You may have heard of radon gas and wondered what it is, how it might affect your home and what you can do about it.  Here’s a quick guide and some good news about how you can deal with high levels of the gas if necessary.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which comes from granite and has no taste or smell.  All of us are exposed to it, however, some areas of the UK with most granite, such as Scotland, Wales and Cornwall, have higher levels of the gas.

Granite in Cornwall

Radon circulating in the air poses little risk to us, it’s only when it gets trapped in our homes that the risk rises.  As we breath in, the radioactive elements enter our lungs and start to decay which, over time, can lead to tissue damage and in some cases, lung cancer.  The risk is greater if your lungs are already damaged from smoking.  It’s therefore, important to reduce the levels of radon coming into our homes.

Testing is easy and under £50.  You will be sent two small plastic detectors which you leave in your home for 3 months and then send away for evaluation.  Levels from house to house vary and it may be that your levels are low and, therefore, nothing to worry about.  

Fortunately, there are quite a few solutions available if you find high levels in your house. It may be that you need a sump under the floor boards which sucks any radon away before it enters your home, or a positive ventilation fan which blows air from your loft changing the pressure in your house.  If you have a suspended floor, natural ventilation may well be all you need, or you may need mechanical underfloor ventilation.  

If you were buying a house that had a high level of radon, your mortgage company may consider a retention until the right solution is found.  However, as you can see, testing is easy and there are many solutions which can fix the problem, so it shouldn’t stop your sale from going through. Have a chat with us and we can advise you on the best course of action.

Shelter Inspired Art

Here at Hus, we are supporting Shelterbox this year and we are pleased to promote the work of artist, Lindsey Morgan-Lundie who is using her work to highlight the plight of Syrian refugees through her art installation.

Lindsey Morgan-Lundie

While on a mentoring course at Newlyn School of Art with nine other contemporary Cornish Artists, printmaker, Lindsey Morgan-Lundie was struck by a picture of a refugee child standing outside a tent in Syria. ‘I was exploring the idea of portraiture, when I came across a haunting image of a girl’s face’ she explained.  Lindsey was moved to find out more about refugees and set off on a journey of exploration that led to an art installation at the PZ Gallery in Penzance between 7-11 June 2014.  

Lindsey discovered a love of printing during her Fine Art degree in Falmouth in 2007.  Since graduating she has exhibited her prints on many occasions and is currently the resident printmaker at Cornwall College in Camborne, where she teaches students various printing techniques.  She was thrilled to be selected to go on the first mentoring course at Newlyn, where she works alongside an eclectic mix of other local artists.  It was here that she started to consider the themes of shelter, relationship and community.

The final show will feature end of year work from all of the artists being mentored at Newlyn, and will include paintings, films and installations.  Lindsey’s own installation will feature multiple small tents, made using wax. Each one unique and fragile, exploring our inherent need for communication and relationship.

‘When disasters happen, communities often pull together,’ Lindsey said ‘Its been interesting to explore how we crave relationship and don’t like the feeling of isolation’.  Each tiny wax tent, will be individually printed with an varied mix of near Eastern patterns, original drawings and pictures of nature.  ‘I love the quality and fragility of wax and the fact  that it allows me to create layers of meaning within the work’ Lindsey explained.

Entry to the PZ Gallery is free and events during the exhibition are being planned, so keep an eye on the Newlyn School of Art website for more details.

Newlyn School of Art Mentoring Course Final Show
PZ Gallery
7 Coinage Street
Penzance
TR18 4AY

PZ Gallery

More information from 

Newlyn Arts School

Open Saturday 7th June 11am
Private View June 7th 6-9pm

Open Sunday to Wednesday 11-6pm each day

What to do if you have Mundic in your house

Did you know that Mundic is a Cornish slang word?  From about the 1900’s to the 1960’s some of the waste from the Cornish mines was used in the making of concrete blocks.  It probably seemed like a good idea at the time and must have felt like a cheap, early form of recycling.  

However, as the years passed, it was discovered that some of the bits of iron ore used in the mix became unstable when wet.  This really came to light as we started to install unventilated double-glazing into our houses in the 1970’s.  We might well have been nice and warm, but the moisture trapped in the houses made the walls damp and consequently the concrete blocks started to degrade and crumble.

You will probably find that if you are buying a house in Cornwall built between 1900 and 1965, your mortgage company will ask that you have a Mundic test.  The test costs approximately £350 and will involve a specialist drilling holes and taking samples of the concrete.  The concrete is tested and the results will fall into 4 classes: A and A/B will be sound and safe, whilst B will be sound but likely to cause problems in the future and lastly C which is clearly unsound. 

Houses that are affected by Mundic are generally sold at a lower price because of the difficulties of getting a mortgage, which means if you are a cash buyer, you may well pick up a bargain.  It might be that just one wall needs replacing or in the worst cases, you may wish to consider re-development of the site.

The good news for sellers, according to Cornwall Consultants, is that 80% of the 14,000 houses they have checked, come back with an class ‘A’  and only 5% end up with a class ‘C’.  If your house, was to fall into either the B or C classes, then you should have a chat with your Estate Agent who can advise you on what you should do next and how it might be best to help you market your house.

Writing a new chapter in a Newlyn home

The arrival of super-fast broadband and the rise in popularity in remote working gives many people the opportunity to make Cornwall their home.  Copywriters, Dee and Gerard are no exception.  

Following their marriage in 2009 at the beautiful Trereife House near Penzance, they "up'd sticks" from London and re-located to West Cornwall.  After a period of renting, they bought a 3 bedroom terraced house in the centre of busy fishing port, Newlyn.

Dee describes how, since 2009, the charming Edwardian House has been ‘lovingly restored.’ “We decided to update the house and bring it firmly into the 21st century” she revealed “It took a team of helpers to strip the house of the wood chip wallpaper, re-plaster and re-point. We removed gas fires, installed period cast iron fireplaces, renewed the electrics and generally ‘de-70’d it’.”  During the renovation, they even found a fire-place surround although, to their surprise, it was tucked under the lounge floorboards!  The house, which had been garishly decorated in the 1970’s has now been given a new lease of life and brightened up using contemporary neutral colours.

Dee loves to cook in her light filled kitchen but confesses that the duel aspect loft is her favourite room.  “The views of Mounts Bay on one side with the harbour and town on the other, make it a fantastic room to work in” she said “Because of the nature of our business, we are in this room for so long, it’s inspirational to see the town busy at work whilst we write.”

They have a clear affection for Newlyn and the Mounts Bay area. ’There’s a great sense of community and solidarity in the road we live in and we will miss it very much”  Dee acknowledged.  In fact they love the area so much that they spend their spare time, along with a photographer friend, compiling a blog called the Penzance Post which captures the essence of Mounts Bay along with current events and activities.

Dee and Gerard decided that although they have clearly enjoyed making the house relevant and suited to the 21st century, the time has come for them to be nearer family.  So with a degree of hesitancy they have decided to move a little nearer the centre of Cornwall.  Dee concluded “We are very fond of this house and the neighbourhood, but the time is right for us to move and we won’t be too far away from the friends we have made”

De-mystifying the buying and selling process #5 - How to present your house outside for sale

We’ve covered the inside of your house but what about the real first impression that buyers make? Try standing outside your house and having a proper look for 30 seconds. Forget that you live here and put yourself in a potential purchaser’s shoes. Compare it to the neighbouring properties or better still compare it to what you think is the best looking house on the street (that is if you have neighbours! If not then looking at similar properties on the internet will do just as well). 

How are the gutters looking? Been meaning to give the windows a sand and a repaint for a while? Well it’s now or never. Pressure washing the front of the house and the approach is a good start as is making sure the windows are clean, letting as much light in as possible.  Sometimes however something a little more drastic from painting to re-rendering may be required.  

As for the front and back gardens themselves, a well-kept, thoughtfully laid out garden is a powerful incentive for many people when they are choosing a new property. It goes without saying that you should mow the lawns, weed everywhere, pressure wash patio areas and re-lay any wonky paving stones.  Not every house is lucky enough to have an abundance of mature ornamental plants and established trees but with spring upon us you could get some seasonal bedding plants in to add some instant colour.

Garden buildings, everyone loves a shed, great for storage and for some even a safe haven. If you’ve got one spruce it up, a lick of paint, tidied up inside and a lock on the door is another ticked box for a potential buyer. The best tip for gardens is to go out of your way to make it as easy as possible for people to imagine themselves using it. Everyone uses their garden for different reasons, whether it be somewhere for the children to play, a veg patch or entertaining space. Make the most of what you have and make it easy for people to imagine enjoying the space with friends and family.

De-mystifying the buying and selling process #4 - Preparing your home for sale

You know your home and your area better than your agent, you’ll probably have a fairly good idea what type of person will buy it as well. One very important starting point when preparing your home for sale is to consider your target market, try to coax their interest without alienating others. Got a 3 bed  house with the box room used as a junk room/office? Then for example set it up as a proper small bedroom and move the workstation elsewhere to ensure you appeal to young professional and also those with children.

It is very important that you emotionally disconnect from your house when you decide to sell it, potential purchasers need to be able to picture themselves living in the house as soon as they come in through the door. De clutter as much as possible, take down elaborate ornaments and personal photos. Anything that you don’t use daily put away in the loft. Overly large pieces of furniture should also be stored and replaced with smaller ones and make sure you arrange items around the room to maximise the space and make it functional. It is vital that the house appears as large and inviting as possible.

Cleaning and de-cluttering is key. Put away all coats and odds and ends so you immediately get a feeling of space when you walk in through the door. A deep clean throughout will do wonders, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms which will need to shine. In the bathrooms put all bottles and products away, hang fresh white towels neatly up and maybe fit a new loo seat. In the kitchen and dining room clear all surfaces, lay the table for a meal and possibly put some flowers out to give it that spring feeling. 

Fresh coats of paint all round are always a good idea if you have the time. Avoid pure white as it makes the house look a little clinical but anything neutral and warm will do just fine. While you’ve got the brush out why not treat your old front door to a few coats too! Don’t forget the grimy old carpet, wood floors are always a good option if you’ve got some nice floorboards tucked away or if not then again stay neutral when fitting anything new. Kitchens can be brought up to date with new worktops, Corian looks especially good on a budget. Painting the units and fitting new handles also does a sterling job of smartening an old kitchen up and in the bathrooms re-grouting and installing new matching fittings will save you a packet.

How to deal effectively with Japanese Knotweed

Our gardens are full of exotic shrubs bought back by Victorian plant hunters, most of which bring us colour and enjoyment.  However, there is one notorious for blighting, not only gardens but also causing structural damage to buildings.  Japanese Knotweed was transported to England from Japan in the 19th Century and,  at the time was highly prized as an ornamental shrub.  Little was known about its destructive potential when removed from its natural habitat or away from the pests that control its spread.

The presence of Knotweed, has caused problems when it comes to buying or selling houses.  Mortgage companies have been unwilling to lend money to buy houses which could be destroyed by the roots finding their way through masonry or concrete.  As buyers can’t get a mortgage this reduces the value or may prevent the sale the house. If you suspect you have knotweed, don’t attempt to treat yourself, as shop bought chemicals just won’t do the job and digging it up may leave tiny fragments which can sprout and cause outbreaks in other areas. 

Recently, the Property Care Association (PCA) together with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has put together guidance to help deal with Japanese Knotweed.  The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has also endorsed this scheme and, according to their website treats each property on a ‘case-by-case basis’  looking for evidence of initial and ongoing treatment.  

The best thing you can do is get it treated early, using only a specialist weed control contractor who is licensed to use more potent chemicals. Even then, treatment can take 3-4 years to ensure it is killed off properly.  Make sure you look for contractors who can provide guarantees that are backed by UK Insurance Companies which can show your mortgage lender that the treatment has been done properly or is in progress.  Sellers can then provide an insurance backed guarantee (IBG) which means their house is safe to buy.  Buyers can also get a mortgage and have peace of mind that their dream home is one that is safely weed-free.

So, although Japanese Knotweed is the last thing you want to find in your garden, there is lots of information on the web such as here to help you identify the shrub and Hus’s Peter Madsen would be happy to advise you further.

De-mystifying the buying and selling process #3: What to get ready when you decide you want to buy a house.

As anyone who has bought property can tell you the process is a stressful one. We all know that estate agents only act on behalf of the seller, and are looking for the most committed buyer at the highest price, however what people often forget is that in an increasingly optimistic market it is also a highly competitive process.

With so many buyers on the prowl and limited stock levels, now more than ever you need to make sure you stand out from the competition and tip the odds in your favour if you want to secure the property of your dreams. If you have a house to sell, get it on the market as soon as you can and ideally get your house sold subject to contract before going out shopping to give yourself the best opportunity of rising to the top of the pile.

If you want to be the first person to hear about new properties agents need to know you are ready to buy. Expanding on this if you have got a mortgage agreed or have cash in the bank you are far more likely to get that call, if you haven’t then go see someone who can help you get this arranged as your competition will have already done so. Make sure your expectations are realistic; agents will soon spot those people whose search criteria will never amount to anything, do your research on prices and area and make sure you aren’t searching for the impossible.

A lot of agents are quite old school in their filing systems so be proactive and make contact regularly so you stay on the Hot Buyer Lists. You’ll find that you are evaluated and ranked from your first phone contact so while you may be loath to play into the hands of yet another shiny suited estate agent knowing the system and getting them onside could pay dividends.