Easton Residential 2024

APRIL - JULY 2023

Your Local
Legal
Specialists
TMT have all the expertise and know-how you would expect
from a local law firm. We pride ourselves on having a more
personal approach, while using the very latest in technology
to get you moving quickly.
• Residential Property
• New Homes
• Shared Ownership
• Retirement Homes
• Buy To Let
• Land
Electronic
ID
Verification
Direct Dial
to Your
Conveyancer
• Wills
• Probate
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
There are many reasons to have a Will or LPA
in place, not only for your own peace of mind
but also for your family’s peace of mind.
27/7 Online
Estimates
• Hythe
• Southampton
• Chandlers Ford (opens Spring 2023)
0333 1884 758
www.tmtlegalservices.co.uk
enquiry@tmtlegalservices.co.uk
2 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

WELCOME
Glenn Jackson
MNAEA
Director
He has worked within the industry for the last 30 Years. Before opening the Business in December 2007
he did his training with a large independent Estate Agency in Bath and has since ran both independent
and corporate offices in, Bristol, Winchester, Basingstoke and Southampton. Always focused on
delivering the best possible service and results for the client he is still at the forefront of the operation
from initial valuations to handing over keys upon completion. He is a trustee of two charities and does
lots of work in the background for such. Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis himself he knows only too
well the daily obstacles many of us have to over come. Whether a client of past or present, he’s always
on hand for any needed advice or tips.
Lisa
Mitch
Lisa’s now been with us
for five years and is an
integral part of our team.
Not only does she manage
the lettings portfolio but
also the staff and branch to exceptionally high
standards. A vital cog in our team there is noone
better to roll up sleeves and sort issues yet
supplying vital information to anyone buying,
selling or renting. She lives locally with her
husband, two children and three dogs.
Carole
Waters
Carole has been with us for
over two years now. From
using us to sell her home we
acted quickly on bringing
her on board. Her customer
service and communication is second to none
and knowledge of the local area and each of the
properties we sell or let being endless. She lives
locally with her two daughters.
Carrie
Langdale
Carrie has recently joined
our team and helps Lisa
and Jen run our rental
portfolio. She lives locally
with her children and pets.
She’s hardly in the office carrying out property
inspections or sorting maintenance issues.
Jen Guy-
Gibbens
Jen’s now been with us for
over ten years and works
predominately with Lisa
on maintaining our rental
portfolio. Jen lives locally
with her husband and son and is forever running
around sorting an endless maintenance list. Her
organisation and customer skills are exquisite
and whenever there’s a problem, don’t call the
A-Team, call Jen!
Callum
Jackson
Callum joined us straight
from school and is learning
about the old fashioned
estate agency methods
aswell as teaching us all
about social media. He’ll be seen doing sales,
lettings and helps out the removals team too.
Claire
Bushell
Claire has immense
knowledge in our industry
having practised estate
agency for over 30 years. She
has run both corporate and
independent branches in Kent and Hampshire
and is phenomenal at sorting chains and issues.
She lives in Holbury with her husband, daughter
let alone the horses and pets.
Mark
Parfitt
Mark’s been with us since
the start of our removals
operation back in 2009. He’s
moved people to all ends of
the UK, to Ireland, Denmark,
France, Germany and Spain. There’s no-one
better than loading a stacking a vehicle for the
safety of the clients belongings. For any advice
on how to pack or prepare for the move then
call him today.
EASTON
RESIDENTIAL
With years accumulative
experience in buying,
selling or renting there
are very few obstacles
or situations we can’t
overcome.
We are based locally and
focused on helping local
people. Not only do all
our staff live within the
Waterside area but are
heavily involved with
many local clubs and
charities.
77 Long Lane, Holbury
SO45 2ND
Tel: 023 8024 3866
sales@eastonresidential.co.uk
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm Sun: Closed
www.eastonresidential.co.uk
3

Time to declutter?
If you’ve ever considered moving house before and read blogs
about where to start, there is almost always information about
decluttering. Why? Because cluttered homes are harder to sell.
Filled with bits and bobs, piles of paperwork, shoes and coats
everywhere, a cluttered house will seem smaller.
And, if you appear to not have enough room for your
belongings, your house must not be big enough, right? This is
the impression that a cluttered home can give potential buyers
and put them off because they either a) can’t really see your
home because of all the belongings in the way, or b) they’ll think
that it is too small for them and their stuff too.
You might not want to get rid of all of your stuff. What if you
genuinely want to keep everything that you own? And in many
cases, this is the very reason you are looking to sell your home
because you’ve outgrown your current one.
If everything in your home has its place, it won’t feel cluttered.
It will also be easier for you and your family to keep everything
nice and tidy so that you are not in a mad cleaning frenzy
before every viewing appointment. And if everything is neat and
organised, potential buyers will feel your home is big enough
for them to live in too. This is where storage solutions come in
handy.
Why? Having a decluttered home is a way to simplify your life.
You know where everything is, and there is no more rummaging
or tearing the house apart trying to find something.
Particularly after the festive period, you will undoubtedly add
more items to your home. Gifts, toys, and clothes are all brought
into your home. So, you either need to have enough space in
your home for everything to go, or you will need to get rid of
something else to make room for the new things. This is often
why parents will have a big clear out of kids’ toys, getting rid of
anything that is broken or that the children have grown out of
to make room for the new influx of toys Santa brings.
How? Boxes and baskets - things for putting things into. If
everything is stored in containers of some sort in a cupboard,
you will minimise the likelihood that everything will fall out
onto your viewers’ heads when they open the door. Tidying away
messy items into baskets or boxes will make your cupboards
seem neat and clear.
No stuffing - if you have to stuff things down to get the lid on or
the drawer or cupboard door shut, then it is too full. Don’t have
your furniture bursting at the seams. This overfilling will distract
from the lovely tidy organisation in your home.
Start small - we all have a junk drawer. Imagine if you had a
totally organised junk drawer! This is a great place to start. It
is small and inconsequential, it’s only a drawer, and it is just
‘junk’. It can be easy to get carried away, and once you’ve started
clearing out every cupboard in your home, it can begin to
feel overwhelming. Before you know it, you will look around,
and really all you will have done is make more mess. When
this happens, it’s easy to give up and stuff everything back in
the cupboards that you emptied and go and get a cup of tea
instead.
Buy stacking boxes for bigger cupboards: they don’t have to be
expensive, but stacking boxes can be really helpful to stack and
store lots of irregularly shaped items neatly. Particularly good
for the loft and the back of the garage. But don’t forget to label
the boxes with what you have inside; otherwise, you’ll probably
never find anything again. And this will mean that some of your
belongings are already packed for your move.
Use drawer dividers: These will provide separate compartments
within your drawers and will keep things neat and organised
and stop the ‘rummage’ effect.
“overfilling will distract
from the lovely tidy
organisation in your home
Use the space that you have: Perhaps you can hang items inside
the doors in cupboards. Or use shelf dividers to use the height
inside your cupboards, effectively adding another shelf.
Storage solutions are the perfect way to make your home feel
organised and tidy and ultimately easier to keep clean. We have
all seen those mesmerising videos of people stacking their food
cupboards, items decanted into matching glass jars and baskets
that fit things in perfectly. In a busy family household, it’s more
likely that your cupboards are stuffed and overflowing than
neatly stacked and stored.
But there is a connection to selling a property here. Clear,
uncluttered homes appear more spacious, and viewers will look
inside cupboards! If you are planning a house move, the easiest
solution is to use stacking boxes to store items you won’t need
in the immediate future. This keeps superfluous things tidy and
organised and gives you a head start on packing!
4 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

2023 interior trends
Interior design trends change year on year, much like fashion
trends. Taking inspiration from all different cultures from all
over the world. Looking at trends from years gone by to create
our spaces.
What are the new emerging trends for our homes for 2023?
The end of open-plan:
For many years, properties have been moving towards openplan
living, large spaces zoned only by furniture that allows the
whole family to be together, whether preparing meals, eating,
chatting, doing homework or watching tv. But it would seem
that the future trends are turning their backs on large open
rooms, choosing instead to look at separate rooms reminiscent
of older properties. Having different rooms gives more privacy
and makes it easier to keep the rooms warm.
The end of crisp, contemporary design:
For many years our homes, for the most part, have been painted
white and grey, with a crisp contemporary design, softened by
cushions and blankets in muted colours. But, moving into 2023,
we see a move away from this style.
The end of minimalism:
Simple, clutter-free homes without fuss are being filled with
interesting items or curiosity. Quirky lamp shades and candle
holders, or exciting pictures and accessories. A minimalist style
is so last season.
So, what do we see instead?
Layout alterations: Separate rooms reminiscent of our homes
from years ago. This could be a throwback from lockdown,
where everyone was always at home. Possibly, this comes down
to needing working spaces as we work from home more now,
meaning that dining rooms and spare bedrooms are converted
into office spaces. Open-plan living removes the opportunity
for privacy and seclusion, which is vital when trying to work.
But also good to have somewhere else in the home to move to
when we needed a change of scenery but couldn’t go outside.
Patterns: Stripes are having a come-back with striped fabrics in
bedding, curtains, rugs, and even carpets.
Maximalism: opting for a cosy maximal style instead. Luscious
fabrics and deep pile rugs with large, vibrant patterns.
Antique styles: In the decline of contemporary modern design,
antique styles are seeing a revival, with elements of antique
furniture and wallpapers being very popular.
Bright colours: Rich and bright colour schemes are replacing the
stark white and grey we have seen for many years. This is further
solidified by Pantone announcing their colour of 2023, Viva
Magenta. Of this colour, they say, “vibrates with vim and vigour.
It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family
and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is
brave, fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance
promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new
narrative.”
This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. The
team at Pantone say, “Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and
everyone with the same verve for life and a rebellious spirit. It is
a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.”
It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging
experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an
electrifying and boundaryless shade that manifests as a standout
statement.
If you are planning a revamp of your home in 2023, look at these
exciting new style trends and the vibrant colour of the year from
Pantone to help style your property.
6 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

We’ll help you see
the wood for the trees
Our team of dedicated specialists are committed to providing straightforward
and practical advice to help you find a clear way forward.
SOLICITORS
MEDIATORS
NOTARIES
scottbailey.co.uk
01590 676933
63 High Street, Lymington,
Hampshire SO41 9ZT

MAKING YOUR
MOVE EASIER
WHATEVER YOU ARE LO OKING FOR
LO OKING FOR
GROUND FLO OR
PROPERTIES
LO OKING FOR
A RURAL
LOCATION
8 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

EASTON RESIDENTIAL
Why use us?
With over 50 years accumulative experience
in buying, selling or renting there are very few
obstacles or situations we can’t overcome. We
are based locally and focused on helping local
people.
Not only do all of our staff live within the waterside area but
are heavily involved with many local clubs and charities. For
honest, dedicated advice from the same person from getting
your property valued to the day of completion, call us today.
Why use us over Internet Companies?
In today’s world anyone can take photo’s, measurements and
promote your home on the web. The art though in our industry
is in the negotiation of the price and the progressing of the
deal.
A good local estate agent doesn’t exist because we take a good
photo or make you a nice cup of tea when you visit our offices,
it’s because we take pride in our job and work tirelessly to
ensure you achieve a)the best possible price, b) from the best
possible buyer (not necessarily the first and c) with the best
possible timescales. It is vital to check out each element of a
sale before agreeing terms. We know through vast experience
that few agents will do so and especially those with no high
street presence.
An out of area agent doesn’t know local market conditions,
they aren’t aware of all planning regulations nor likely to use a
local lawyer that know our patch inside out. Knowing the local
surveyors and solicitors personally is vital to the successful
management of your case. We can identify potential issues
before they arise and deal with them minimising any stress
or expense. The web may be full of information but an
experienced local agent will know how to use this and in what
context, saying the wrong thing and the wrong time will cost
you greatly.
You need an agent who has a vested interest in you and your
home, this will ensure they do absolutely everything at anytime
to ensure a smooth transaction knowing that they personally
will benefit from their efforts. You are not personal to these
internet agencies, it’s not their time and money that goes into
the process and it is unlikely they’ll gain any incentive to get
your deal through. Some agencies will get you to pay upfront,
so where’s the incentive to sell your home, there isn’t, they’ve
got their money and onto the next client thank you.
Just by reading this will make you realise how passionate we
are about you and helping you achieve your goal. Speak to
friends and family, ask them which agents they have used and
would they use them again. Recommendation is the by far the
best advice.
Our advice however is to call a few agents, see what they have
to say and focus on finding one that’s going to work for you
and has a personal interest. You want to ensure the person
who you meet when their valuing your home will also be with
you for completion day too. So often staff in both corporate
and internet agencies change like the wind and you need
continuity. Choosing an agent who’ll guide you from start to
finish will pay huge dividends both financially and stress wise.
Eastons just ask for the opportunity to prove what we can
do and allow our experience, empathy and determination to
benefit you. After all it’s fair to say the difference in fee maybe
hundreds but the cost of bad negotiation and choice of agent
will cost you thousands.
www.eastonresidential.co.uk
9

EASTON LETTINGS
A comprehensive property letting service...
As Residential Letting and Managing Agents we provide a
comprehensive property letting service and for first time
landlords we offer a free no obligation advice session.
This will provide an opportunity to discuss the basic
requirements of letting your property and also any pitfalls,
which may be encountered. If you are thinking of buying
a property to let we will be happy to advise you about its
suitability
As members of the National Association of Estate Agents and
The Property Ombudsman it is vital that all landlords and
tenants are aware that we hold CLIENT MONEY PROTECTION
COVER. A full copy of our cover is available by request yet the
scheme number is C0012937. This is supplied and managed by
the National Federation of Property Professionals.
TENANT FIND SERVICE
Extensively advertise your property via the internet, local
advertising and four local window displays.
Arrange and conduct viewings with prospective tenants. All of
which are accompanied.
Carry out a full advanced references on all adults intending to
live in the property, this reference includes a unique guarantee
that we will help remove your tenant from your property should
they stop paying their rent. It also includes an insurance that
will cover all legal fees involved.
Prepare our standard tenancy agreement and any other
associated documents.
Collect the deposit (equivalent of 5 week’s rent) together with
the first month’s rental due under the terms of the tenancy. The
deposit is then lodged with an approved scheme.
Conduct a check in with the tenant which includes the
reading of all meters and approval of the inventory. Please
remember your obligations as a landlord – an up to date Gas
Safety Certificate, proof of buildings insurance and an Energy
Performance Certificate.
FULLY MANAGED SERVICE
If this option is chosen we shall do all of that included in the
tenant find option plus –
• Carry out an inspection one month following the check
in and then every quarter thereafter. Should we have any
concerns then we’ll notify you immediately.
• Provide appliance breakdown and maintenance coverage
via a separate party to ourselves. This will obviously be
charged to you but fully itemised.
• In an emergency reserve the right to carry out required
repairs. These repairs will be deducted from the rental
income.
• Collect the monthly rent and pay this directly to you minus
our fee. Should the rent not be paid or be late again we
shall notify you accordingly.
• Conduct a check out to ensure correct meter readings are
noted and the property left in a satisfactory condition.
• Return the deposit to the tenant at the end of the term
subject to the property being vacated. If you or an
appointed representative wishes to inspect the property
then we ask for this to be conducted within ten days of the
tenant departing.
• Send you monthly statements itemising any income and
expenditure.
We ask that in disputes over damages between landlord and
tenant that the agent’s decision is final.
LANDLORD SCALE OF CHARGES
- FULLY MANAGED SERVICE
• Property Valuation
• Advertising and Marketing
• Arrange and accompany all viewings
• Find and fully reference suitable tenants
• Register deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• Prepare a legally up to date Assured Shorthold Tenancy
Agreement
• Prepare and provide a Full colour inventory
• Attend the Check In, take meter readings and notify utility
companies
• Telephone and face to face contact for both landlord and
tenant
10 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

• Emergency out of hours telephone number for
maintenance issues
• Periodic inspection reports sent in writing or by email
• All maintenance jobs arranged and monitored
• Monthly rental collection
• Prepare and issue all relevant up to date and legal
notices.
LET ONLY SERVICE
• Property Valuation
• Advertising and Marketing
• Arrange and accompany all viewings
• Find and fully reference suitable tenants
• Register deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• Prepare a legally up to date Assured Shorthold Tenancy
Agreement
• Prepare and provide a Full colour inventory
• Attend the Check In, take meter readings and notify
utility companies
TENANT FIND
• Property Valuation
• Advertising and Marketing
• Arrange and accompany all viewings
• Find and fully reference suitable tenants
TENANT REFERENCING
AND PROGRESS PROCEDURE
Should you find one of our properties suitable after
an internal viewing then we will provide you with the
appropriate referencing forms for you to complete. Please
note you will NOT be charged for this yet the landlord of
this particular property is insistent on a full reference of
their choice being provided before any tenancy will be
granted. Nor will you be charged a fee if a guarantor is
needed.
Once the forms have been completed and returned
we shall require a holding deposit equivalent to one
weeks rent to be lodged immediately. This is will then
be deducted from your first months rent subject to a
satisfactory reference being obtained. Upon receipt of this
holding deposit the property will be removed from the
market and marked as let subject to contract. We will also
provide you with a draft copy of our Assured Shorthold
Tenancy Agreement.
In the event that either us or our landlord withdraw the
property from yourselves then your holding deposit will be
returned in full within 7 days. If you however provide false
or misleading information, fail the referencing process ,
withdraw from the property through your own choice then
our landlord can indeed retain this holding deposit. Should
this be the case then we will confirm by email or in writing
why this is the case.
Once the application has been approved we will arrange a
date that you wish the tenancy to commence.
Pets are not accepted as standard however if you have a
pet and the landlord agrees then no fee will be charged
or increased deposit will be taken. Your landlord however
may wish to charge a higher rent each month for pets to be
considered.
A short hold tenancy agreement will be drawn up between
you and your landlord.
A detailed inventory will be carried out and listed with
colour photographs and a condition report of which you
will be given a copy.
Your deposit will be registered with the Tenancy Deposit
Scheme if the property is managed by ourselves or if in the
case of the landlord managing we will inform you of the
custodial scheme chosen.
On the day that you move in we will carry out a ‘check
in’ service at the property to hand over keys, take meter
readings and go through the inventory and provide copies
of all necessary legal paperwork.
As Residential Letting and Managing Agents we provide a
comprehensive property letting service and for first time
landlords we offer a free no obligation advice session.
This will provide an opportunity to discuss the basic
requirements of letting your property and also any pitfalls,
which may be encountered. If you are thinking of buying
a property to let we will be happy to advise you about its
suitability
www.eastonresidential.co.uk
11

EASTON REMOVALS
Make your house
move easy with
EASTON
REMOVALS
Professional, hard
working and putting
people first!
Having seen so many people let down and struggling for a
removal company on this vital day we quickly identified the
need to offer this service and now see this element continuing
to grow.
We operate anywhere in the UK and Europe with a simple
ethos in mind, to make your move easier!
From studio flats to detached family homes we are here to
make your move easier. It is often said that the best investment
you can make on moving day is to hire the services of a removal
company. With all the running around and collection of keys,
allow us to take the pressure off and put everything in the new
home where it should be.
Our operatives will take meticulous care of your possessions
to ensure a smooth transition is achieved anywhere in the UK
and Europe. Whether it’s a man and van to a full packing and
removal service, call us now to arrange our Removal Manager
to come along and discuss your requirements. Our quotes are
completely free of charge and conducted under no obligation.
MOVING HOME?
Get in touch with us today
07894 354372
Home Removals
As one of the leading removal companies in
Southampton and New Forest areas Easton
Removals can safely deliver your goods,
whether it’s a few miles or a few hundred
miles. With years of experience in House
Removals, Eastons can help you.
Call us today on 023 8024 3866
Home Moving
Built on high standards. Once you have
decided to move call Eastons and we will
arrange for one of our experienced team
around to discuss your requirements. From
heavy removals like pianos, to packing
precious chinaware Eastons will make your
move easier!
Boxes and packaging
Easton Removals offers a full packing
service. Our team will come prior to your
move and pack all your possessions ready
for your move, this frees up your time and
lets you concentrate on your move.
Secure storage
Easton Removals works in conjunction with
Strongroom Storage. We can offer great
deals on secure storage. With 24/7 access
and CCTV monitoring.
12 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

MAKING YOUR
MOVE EASIER
ON MOVING DAY

TOP TIPS...
BEFORE YOU BUY, MAKE SURE YOU
REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
• Be prepared to view as soon as possible – the best properties in the
market generate the most interest, so don’t waste time when it comes
to buying your new home
• Put yourself in a position to buy – qualify yourself for a mortgage
as soon as possible. When buying a property it is worth providing
your estate agent with as much information as possible, from your
property being chain free to your readiness to proceed with the
purchase.
• Multiple viewings – try and view the property more than once at
different times of the day especially at weekends, when everyone is at
home and at rush hour to check how local roads may be affected by
congestion. If this property is to be yours, then you need to have as
much information as possible about not only the house but also the
surrounding area.
• Look beneath the surface – when buying a house it is important to
make an impartial judgement based on every aspect of the property.
Make sure you distinguish between major work and ‘cosmetic’ work.
Don’t let your judgment be clouded.
• Protect yourself – property surveys maybe expensive but they can
uncover any major defects which may help you renegotiate on price
or even reconsider the purchase.
• Location, location, location – research the local
schools, shops, parking, transport, journey to work
and neighbours to get a good feel of what it will be
like to live there. Your dream house may not be so
idyllic upon further investigation.
Friendly, experienced and multi-skilled tradesman
with a qualified NVQ 3 background in Carpentry,
SMSTS qualified.
• Kitchen fitting specialist,
versatile in your choice
of worktop finish, used
to working with quartz
and granite companies,
as well as fitting
laminates and compact
laminates
• All aspects of carpentry
- 1st and second fix
• Building refurbishment
and maintenance
• Supplementary quality
trusted trades organised
TEL: 07876 351700
• Don’t rule out offering the full asking price - if you
find your ideal home and it is priced correctly,
consider offering the full asking price to avoid
losing out. By bidding correctly and accurately for
your desired property you stand a much greater
chance of securing the house without being outbid
or rivalled.
• Ask lots of direct questions about the property – if
this is going to be the property of your dreams
then ask as many questions as you can about it.
Remember to ask about any previous building work
that has been undertaken, as well as any major
faults that have been highlighted.
• Remember, the estate agent works for the vendor
– the agent is working on behalf of the seller so
be willing and eager to view properties so that
you’re top of the agent’s list to call. Stay in regular
contact so they are aware of your interest in their
properties.
• Don’t be put off by a property that is on the market
at a low price compared to others in the area – in
this housing market some of the best deals are sold
on behalf of developers and lenders and are priced
to sell quickly. These properties include some of
the best value houses around, so remember to give
these your consideration.

Thinking of moving?
David Manning & Co is a specialist local firm dealing
with all aspects of property related matters including
residential and commercial conveyancing.
Fixed Fee Conveyancing
No Move - No Fee (subject to conditions)
Written Report on Title
Call us now
01256 896 633
or email nb@davidmanning.co.uk
for a free fixed fee estimate
David Manning & Co 1 Winchester Street Whitchurch Hampshire RG20 7AH
www.davidmanning.co.uk
CHARTERED SURVEYORS
Chartered Surveyors
in the New Forest
Building Surveys | RICS Homebuyer Reports | Dilapidations | Snagging | Valuations
Friendly, approachable
Chartered Surveyors
Kevin Shaw & Associates are an experienced,
independent firm of Chartered Surveyors
based in Brockenhurst. Offering a range
of valuation and building survey services,
designed to suit all manner of properties,
whether you’re buying, selling or simply
looking to improve an existing property.
Our Credentials
Having undertaken residential surveys
across the New Forest for over a decade,
we offer in depth knowledge when it
comes to valuations and building surveys.
Our reports are built on years of experience
and an understanding of local markets,
house prices and the practical aspects of
construction.
Surveys to suit you
We offer a range of survey and valuation
products to suit you, whether you’re
buying, selling or simply improving your
existing property.
n RICS Condition Survey
n RICS Homebuyer (Survey)
n RICS Homebuyer (Survey & Valuation)
n RICS Building Survey
n KSA Bespoke Building Survey
n Property Valuation
n Snagging Report (for New Properties)
01590 624880 kshawmrics@googlemail.com www.shaw-surveyors.co.uk Accredited and
regulated by

TAKE A
FRESH LOOK
AT MOVING
HOME
With Easton
Residential
you’re with
the best of the
bunch!
Tel: 023 8024 3866
sales@eastonresidential.co.uk

Domestic and Commercial Electrical Services
Installation
Maintenance and Repair
Inspection and Testing
Landlord certificates
Consumer board upgrades
Garden power and lighting
Heating controls
M: 07940493517 E: enquiries@circuitworks.uk
www.circuitworks.uk
N. RENYARD
PLUMBING & HEATING
BOILER
INSTALLATION
BOILER SERVICE
& REPAIR
BATHROOMS
& WETROOMS
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TOP TIPS...
ENERGY SAVING
IN YOUR HOME
Ask the right questions
Whether you’re looking to buy a or rent a new home or
wondering how to assess your own home, here’s what to look
out for to make sure your energy bills are as low as they can be.
Check the Energy Performance
Certificate rating
All domestic and commercial buildings in the UK available to
buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
If you own a home, getting an energy performance survey done
could help you identify ways to save money on your energy
bills. Much like the multi-coloured sticker on new appliances,
EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a
rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient): the lower the
efficiency, the more the home will cost to run.
How is the home heated?
Gas heating costs a lot less to run and is more energy efficient
than electric alternatives. Ask the landlord or seller to leave
behind any heating control instructions so you can set your
controls to only heat the rooms you want to. If they can’t find
them, you can download them from the manufacturers’ website.
Check if radiators can be adjusted in each room, whereby you
can heat the rooms you need.
Is the loft insulated?
Loft insulation is one of the most efficient ways to keep heat
from escaping in a home. The thickness of the insulation plays
an important role but it’s easy to top up if there’s some there
but not enough. 270mm is the recommended depth. To give
an idea of cost savings, topping up from 100mm to 270mm can
save around £25 a year on heating bills.
What’s in the walls?
A third of the heat in an un-insulated home is lost through the
walls. There are two wall types – solid walls and cavity walls.
Both can be insulated to improve the energy efficiency of a
property. If the home was built from 1920 onwards there is a
good chance it has cavity walls. A home with uninsulated cavity
walls could cost up to £140 more to run each year than one with
insulated cavities, so it’s worth finding out the state of play.
If you’ve fallen in love with a home with uninsulated cavity walls,
it’s not difficult to get it fixed. Installation costs are about £450
to £500 but you should make this back in about four years.
Homes built before 1920 are likely to have solid walls. Solid
walls may sound like they should be better at keeping in heat
but unfortunately the opposite is true. Uninsulated solid walls
can lose heat twice as fast as uninsulated cavity walls, but
insulating them could save over £460 each year – so if you’re
looking to move into an older build, make sure you ask about
the insulation.
It’s good to see double
Double-glazed windows can save up to £165 on heating bills
compared to a single-glazed property. Heavy lined curtains can
help keep the heat in if double-glazing can’t be fitted.
The newer the boiler, the better
The latest boilers are a lot more energy efficient than older
models. Check the age of the boiler and if it is Energy Saving
Trust recommended. If the landlord/seller doesn’t know, you
can find out the energy efficiency of different boilers at the
Boilers.org.uk website. Boilers have energy ratings, much in the
same way as homes. Once again, A is the most energy efficient
and G is the lowest. Replacing a G rated boiler could save
around £310 a year on running costs.
Look out for draughts
Check round windows and doors for gaps. If it’s a windy day and
a home is particular draughty, you can often hear the whistle
of wind as it sweeps through the property. It’s quite easy to
draught proof homes and there are lots of DIY options available.
Draught proofing can save up to £55 a year on heating costs.
Save water, save money
A water meter is a great way to keep in control of your water
usage and stop you flushing money down the drain. Check the
home for dripping taps, which can waste gallons of water a day.
It’s also worth asking if the shower has an energy saving shower
head. These save water and money but still give you a powerful
shower experience.
The lighter way to save energy
Does the property have energy saving light bulbs or fittings?
If so, will the landlord or seller be leaving these light bulbs
behind? If not, invest in your own before you move in.
Check appliances
Have a look at any the seller is offering, or ask your new
landlord about the energy efficiency of appliances. Fridges and
freezers should come with an energy rating from A to G, with A
being the most energy efficient.
18 www.eastonresidential.co.uk

TOP TIPS...
LIGHT UP YOUR HOME
The right lighting in your home can add style,
atmosphere and warmth as well practicality.
There are options on the market for all budgets,
rooms and purposes.
Consider the room
Before you head out to the local DIY store, it’s essential to
consider the room itself. The amount of natural light entering
the room will play an important role. While a sunny, southfacing
living room may be flooded with daylight much of the
year round, that north-facing spare bedroom may require a
bolder lighting approach. Also look at features or work areas
that would benefit from specific mood or task lighting. With
your room in mind, you will be better placed to find the perfect
solution, both practical and atmospheric.
Living room
As the room where many of us spend much of their time, the
living room requires a combination of functional and mood
lighting. A ceiling pendant or recessed down lighters are great
if you want a brightly-lit room, but often a softer approach is
required. Table or standard lamps that throw the light upwards
can help to achieve a cosy glow, while accent lights can add
visual interest by highlighting a stylish piece of furniture,
ornament or painting.
Dining room
As a place that is generally used for entertainment, the dining
room requires overhead lighting that enables dinner guests
to see each other, but come coffee time, a little mood lighting
goes a long way. Track lights or a pendant directly over a feature
dining table are ideal for conversation, but try up lighters or
standard lamps for an ambient after dinner light.
Kitchen
Task lighting is a must in the kitchen to ensure that work
surfaces are well-lit. Under-cupboard lights do just that, while
track lighting of recessed ceiling spotlights can also help to
highlight particular areas for utilitarian purposes. If your kitchen
is also the social hub of the house, consider wall lights or
halogen spotlights, perhaps with a dimmer to soften the clinical
feel.
Bathroom
Much like the kitchen, a pendant or down lights are a must for
what is often the room with the least amount of natural light.
But halogen spotlights focused on the shower, or basin can
soften the brightness - particularly useful if you tend to use an
ensuite during the night! There are plenty of bathroom mirrors
with lights inbuilt on the market, which are great if you spend a
lot of time primping and preening, while a dimmer switch can
set the tone for that all-important long, luxurious bubble bath,
ensuring that the lighting method is compliant with health &
safety regulations of course!
Bedroom
The bedroom requires both atmosphere and practicality. While
you don’t want to be stumbling about in the night, you won’t
want to wake your partner either. Well placed, a down light
or floor lamp offers a pool of light that shouldn’t disturb the
sleeping partner, while bedside lamps are a must if you’re a
night time reader. Light bulbs in softer colours will create a
more peaceful atmosphere.
Office
It is essential to get the lighting in your home office right. A
ceiling light, wall light or bright floor lamp will provide a strong
general light source but an adjustable desk lamp is also a
must. And for those using a computer, look after your eyes by
illuminating the area behind the screen, while ensuring that the
other lights in the room aren’t reflected in the monitor.
www.eastonresidential.co.uk
19

Easton Residential
77 Long Lane, Holbury SO45 2ND
Tel: 023 8024 3866
sales@eastonresidential.co.uk
www.eastonresidential.co.uk