Update

There is really nothing to update here - I am still waiting for all the parties to play together and communicate and see what happens from there. Last I heard the vendors have selected their solicitors so hopefully everyone can get themselves organised.

I have been doing lots of thinking and planning about what could go where and when in regards to rooms and designing the studio. I rang the Croydon council on Thursday and they said that for any extension what so ever, I need to get planning permission because it is a flat. I don't have to, however, have permission for adding a door to the backgarden because it will be replacing a window. That's good food for thought.

That's all.

Mortgage Madness - E-mail Enlightens

After receiving an email from the assistant of the mortgage broker informing me of a delay in processing the loan applications, i was more than pleasantly surprised when Tony, Mr. Mortgage Broker 2007, wrote to me to inform me that I was now the proud owner of a mortgage. I am but very happy and overjoyed.

Jordi,

I am pleased to confirm that your mortgage offer was issued today.
I have attached a copy for your information - you will receive an
original copy in the post.
A copy will also be forwarded to your solicitor.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything further.

Regards,

Tony

It's still a waiting game as we all have to wait for the vendors to settle on their new place in order for me to then move in and do the little updates that I am wanting to do in the first instance. It's all good fun, this waiting game ... I just be patient and wait to see what happens ... the longer it takes, the money, I hope I will have to to more of the 'updates' that I want to do.

Cheerio

Too much gorgeousness and not enough moula

Alrighty, so the plan is for this to be attached to the back of the flat - all depending on the planning permission. It will require the knocking through the wall to place a door from the kitchen into this new space. I just have to work out the laws concerning the emission of steam and so forth from the bathroom as this will be tagged onto the back. It's a little exciting ... just thought that I would share. I have ordered the brochure so will then see if I can afford this little building project after checking with the council as to whether I am able to build it or not ... off to google-earth to see if anyone else in the street has extended their property. Toodles.

Rising Damp Can Only Mean Falling Price?

FINALLY - everyone has communicated with each other and we are looking at a pretty positive property review, just hanging now for some little independent inspections to be carried out then have the solicitors fight a better price. It would be great to get it on or under the stamp duty line.

... it's getting closer and more real and more and more exciting. ...

Inspected on: 21st November 2007

A1 – OVERALL OPINION

The property is considered to be a reasonable proposition for purchase at the agreed price of £129,000 provided that you are prepared to accept the cost and inconvenience of dealing with the various repair/improvement works reported. These deficiencies are common in properties of this age and type. Provided that the necessary works are carried out to a satisfactory standard, we see no reason why there should be any specific difficulty on resale in normal market conditions.


B1 – THE PROPERTY


Type and Age

The property is a converted flat located to the ground floor of a two storey building, thought to date from the early 1900’s.
Construction

The external walls are of traditional solid and cavity wall construction with brick and rendered elevations. The main roof is pitched and is covered with tiles. There is an element of flat roofing which has a felt covering.


Internally, the floors are of solid construction. We measured the floors to have an area of approximately 27 square metres.


Accommodation

The accommodation comprises:

Entrance Hall, Living room/Bedroom, Kitchen, Bathroom with WC

Garage and Grounds

There is no garage or off street parking running with the property.


The property has a private front rear garden.

B2 – THE LOCATION


The Property is located to a residential road within a reasonable distance of the amenities and transport facilities within Croydon Town Centre.


Cont 2
B3 – CIRCUMSTANCES OF INSPECTION

The circumstances of our inspection were receipt of instructions initially from BM Cardiff to undertake a standard valuation for mortgage purposes and a Homebuyer Survey for the applicant Mr J Major ,such instructions confirmed to Mr J Major in a letter dated 26th November 2007. The property was inspected on 21st November 2007 and the weather at the time was dry and fine.

The property was occupied and furnished with fully fitted and fixed floor coverings in all rooms.

A close inspection was made of only those parts of the exterior of the building which relate directly to the subject flat. A more general inspection was made to the rest of the building. This is in accordance with the conditions of engagement.

Also in accordance with the conditions of engagement, the underground drainage was not inspected by lifting of inspection chamber covers.

The roof space could not be inspected as there was no available access hatch.

Stored materials within cupboards further restricted the inspection.

It is possible therefore that defect’s may exist in unseen areas.
Assistance with Technical Terms

This report contains technical building terms. To assist you we have enclosed a copy of a typical cross section through a residential structure on which is given the technical names to various parts of a building. Reference should be made to that document whilst reading this report.

All references in this report to right and left are to be taken as if the property is being viewed from the road.

C1 – MOVEMENT

The structural condition of the property is considered satisfactory. We found no evidence of significant cracking or current settlement, subsidence or structural movement and no indication to suggest that the foundations are inadequate.

We have not made enquiries or site investigations to ascertain whether the property stands on made up or contaminated land. We strongly advise you to satisfy yourself upon this point either by direct enquiry or through your legal advisers.

There are mature trees within the area. Tree roots can exert physical pressure on foundations and cause direct movement on a clay subsoil. In particular, movement can occur due to their ability to absorb a large amount of moisture, which results in severe expansion and contraction to the subsoil. Tree roots can also cause disturbance to underground drains and service pipes, which again can result in movement.

C2 – TIMBER DEFECTS

There was no surface indication of dry rot or significant active wood boring beetle infestation in the timber open to inspection.

C3 – DAMPNESS

A damp proof course (DPC) is a waterproof membrane built within the walls to prevent ground dampness from rising.

The type of damp proof course within the walls could not be ascertained as it was concealed by internal and external wall finishes.

Random moisture meter readings were taken within the property at ground floor skirting level to test for rising dampness. Evidence of high moisture levels were noted by the entrance door, within the hall way, to the chimney breast and within the bathroom. There was also evidence of penetrating dampness within the bathroom.

Cont 3

We recommend that a reputable firm who deals with the treatment of dampness is employed to inspect the property throughout. It is important that the company employed should be asked to fully inspect the property and thereafter provide a report detailing evidence of dampness found, together with their recommendations for treatment and the likely cost involved. You should ensure that all remedial work is carried out under a long term and meaningful guarantee. It should also be ensured that, if specified, defective plasterwork is hacked off and re plastered in accordance with the specialist firm’s specifications, to ensure the guarantee is not invalidated.

Where internal joinery is in contact with damp surfaces a rot conducive situation will occur, which may not become immediately apparent from surface inspection.

External ground levels are too high, particularly to the side of the property. A distance of 150mm (6 inches) should be maintained between external levels and the damp proof course and internal floor levels in order to prevent the risk of damp penetration.
C4 – CONDENSATION & INSULATION

There is no access to the main roof void therefore we cannot comment upon insulation and condensation levels within this location.

The flat roof is unventilated; consequently there is a possibility of interstitial condensation, within this void.

It is unlikely that adequate insulation has been provided to the flat roof.



C5 – THE EXTERIOR
Roof Structure and Covering

Where visible the main roof is covered with modern interlocking concrete tiles and is in fair condition.

The flat roof covers the kitchen, bathroom and hall way and is covered with a dated felt covering, topped with stone chippings. There is no significant blistering or tearing to the felt covering, however it is dated and liable to fail without warning. Abutments are covered with a mixture of sand and cement and metal flashings and there is evidence of recent repair. There were no significant defects at the time of inspection.
Chimneys

14.2

The brick built chimneys are generally in satisfactory condition.

14.5

Flashings, where visible, are of metal construction and are in a fair condition.


Rainwater Fittings

15.1

The rainwater fittings are of PVC construction and are in fair condition with no significant defects noted.
Main Walls

The subject flat is constructed from part of the ground floor back addition to the main house and partly from a single storey rear extension. Walls to the main building are solid with cavity brick work, construction to the extension. The rendering extends down to ground level thereby covering and bridging any DPC which is in place. However there were no signs of significant cracking or loose rendering.

The side walls to the extension are carried up above roof level to form parapets. These have a render covering, however there is no coping, therefore they are exposed. Cracking

Cont 4



has occurred to the top of the parapet above the front door. It would be prudent to provide suitable concrete copings to the top, to afford some form of protection.
External Joinery

The original windows are of painted timber casement, which are single glazed. There is evidence of past filling to the frames and significant cracking to the sill of the living room

window. Sills to the windows of the rear elevation are ineffective as they do not project past the external masonry. They are therefore susceptible to saturation and decay.

The timber entry door is set within a timber frame, there is minor decay to the base of the frame, however the door is in fair condition. Timber facia boards to the main building are in reasonable condition, however the facia to the single storey extension is distorted at one end. Immediate repair works are required.

External Decoration

The external decorations are in a fair overall condition.

C6 – THE INTERIOR

Roof Space

There was no available access to the roof space.
Ceilings

The ceilings within the property comprise modern plasterboard construction. There is evidence of popping of plaster in some areas and distortion to the plaster board in the internal corner.

There were no other signs of significant defect to the ceilings.

Floors

The floors are of solid construction throughout.

All floors are even, with no evidence seen of dropping below skirtings or crowning.

There is some loose boarding to the floor of the bathroom. This board may cover what was originally an external inspection chamber. We were unable to carry out any further inspection due to the fitted carpet overlay. We would advise further inspection be carried out in this area.

Internal Walls and Partitions

The internal walls are of timber stud construction and have been provided with a plaster finish which is in fair condition.

Fireplaces

The fireplace within the property has been closed, however, the chimney breast is intact. There is adequate ventilation to the disused flue.

It is important that any fireplaces that are to remain out of use should be capped externally and ventilated internally.
Internal Joinery

The Single glazed nature of the windows is likely to lead to condensation problems unless adequate ventilation is provided. Internal doors are provided to the bathroom and main living room, however no door is provided to the kitchen, this is an obvious safety hazard.

Cont 5

The kitchen units are in worn condition. No doubt you are conversant with the extent and condition of the kitchen fittings included within the purchase and we do not therefore propose to comment further.
Internal Decorations

The internal decorations are poor to all areas.



D1 – THE SERVICES
Electricity

A mains electricity supply is installed. The meter and consumer unit are located within the hall way.

The observed wiring and fittings appear to be dated and in need of attention.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers recommends that electrical installations should be tested at least once every 10 years or upon change of ownership. We would therefore advise inspection by a suitably qualified electrical engineer prior to exchange of contracts.
Gas

There is a mains gas supply connected. The gas meter is located within an external box.

We did not in any way test the gas installation, however, we noted no visible defects nor did we smell gas.
Water

We were unable to locate an internal stop cock within the property. You should therefore locate the stop cock as soon as possible after taking up occupation and ensure it is in working condition.

Where visible the pipe work is of copper construction with no obvious significant defect.

It is not possible to verify the condition of the underground supply pipe from the water authority mains to the point of entry into the property. This length of pipe work is the responsibility of the owner of the property. It is likely to be of lead construction.

The sanitary fittings are in generally fair condition, although a little dated.

Heating

There is a glow worm compact combination gas boiler providing radiator central heating and domestic hot water to the property.

The boiler, which is a balanced fan flue system was probably installed during the 1990’s and is located to the kitchen

Cont 6

You should check that as a minimum the boiler and installation generally has been serviced on a regular basis. In the event that no recent service history can be demonstrated, we would strongly recommend that you have the boiler and the system generally inspected by a CORGI engineer.
D2 – DRAINAGE

We were unable to locate an inspection chamber cover within the grounds of the property.

The top of the soil and vent pipe can be seen above the pitched roof to the rear of the property. It Is of cast iron construction. The rear guttering discharges into a gulley close to the entrance door. There is significant dampness to the internal brick work adjacent to this area. It is possible that the gulley is leaking resulting in the internal dampness. Further investigation are required. There are no external waste water pipes.
D3 – THE SITE
Garage and Out Buildings

There is no garage or parking space running with the property.
Grounds and Boundaries

The property runs with use of rear garden. The boundary wall to the right hand side is poorly constructed and damaged in places. The fence to the left hand side is close boarded and is in good condition.
E1 – TENURE

We understand the property is to be sold leasehold with vacant possession.

We value on the basis of a leasehold tenure and assume that there are no covenants attached to the title which would affect the value.

We would recommend that you advise your legal representatives to investigate the existence of any covenants or rights of way in relation to the property and also as to the existence of any current planning applications with regard to adjoining properties or land.

The lease was not available for inspection. This valuation assumes an unexpired term in excess of 80 years.

Given a normal lease that applies in respect of leasehold properties you are proposing to enter into a contract which is effectively a full repairing and insuring lease. In simple terms that means that there are certain costs within the four walls of your flat which you are responsible for and the common expenses of which would take the form of external walls, roof, internal common parts and in all probability the front area of the property would be maintained by the landlord with the cost of that maintenance being shared on a pro rata basis between the leaseholders of the property.

Your solicitor should make enquiries with the existing management agents or the freeholder as to the management accounts for the last three years and also to make enquiries as to any future envisaged maintenance on this property. Your solicitor should also make enquiries as to the establishment of what is known as a sinking fund. This is a device whereby the landlord recovers sums from the tenants, this sum being over and above that which would apply to normal annual expenditure. The purpose is that additional payment is set aside on a safe investment basis and used to pay for the cost of extraordinary items. Given the existence of a sinking fund, then our view is that portion of the sinking fund which relates to the property in question should pass with the sale.

Cont 7

It is assumed that all maintenance costs and service charges will be reasonably apportioned between the flat owners within the building as previously mentioned, although it would be advisable for your solicitor to look into this.

It would also be advisable for your solicitor to make enquiries as to the existence of any easements or covenants attached to the property, for example as to the existence of any right to access of the rear garden area by any other party.
E2 – REGULATIONS

You should ask your legal adviser to investigate and advise upon: whether the rear extension and subsequent conversion complies with all local authority regulations and permissions.
E3 – GUARANTEES

Confirm if there is a boiler maintenance agreement or similar warranty in respect of the central heating system installed.
E4 – OTHER MATTERS

The following are some of the points which should be checked by your legal adviser to ensure retention of any rights or guarantees which will need to be reserved for you or to clarify any liability that you may have to others.

1. The ownership of perimeter boundaries and maintenance liabilities thereof.

2.Any responsibilities for the maintenance and upkeep of jointly used services, such as soil drainage, water supply, guttering down pipes, chimneys etc.

3.Any rights for you to enter onto the adjacent property to maintain any structure situated on or near the boundary.

F1 – ACTION

We recommend that you should treat the following matters – all discussed earlier in this report – as urgent repairs, to be remedied as soon as possible after purchase. For each item you should obtain competitive quotations from reputable contractors before you exchange contracts. As soon as you receive any quotations we will be pleased to advise you whether or not they would cause us to change the advice given or valuation in this report.

C5 Roof Structure and Covering: Inadequate ventilation to flat roof

C3 Dampness: Rising and penetrating dampness to internal walls

Further Inspection:

We recommend that you should treat the following matters – all discussed earlier in this report – as urgent repairs, to be undertaken and concluded before you exchange contracts. Additional repairs/improvements may be necessary following the results of these investigations. As soon as you receive any quotations we will be pleased to advise you whether or not they would cause us to change the advice given or valuation in this report. Should you decide to exchange contracts without obtaining this information, you would have to accept the risk that adverse factors might come to light in the future;

D1 Services Electricity System: Obtain periodic check on the electrical system

D2 Drainage: Inspect gulley outside front door

Cont 8
F2 – MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

C5 Main Walls: Inadequate coping and weathering to parapet walls

C5 External Joinery: Cracking to timber sill of living room window frame

C5 External Joinery: Minor damage and misplacement of rear facia

C5 External Joinery: Minor decay to base of front door frame

D3 Grounds and Boundaries: Rear boundary wall, right hand side in poor condition

Yesterday's Post is Tomorrow's Mail, Why not Today's?

Just when you thought that beauracracy was at it's highest and you remember signing on the mortgage review that you agreed to the bank to source and use a contractor for the survey of the property ... you receive a letter at home on Tuesday night addressed to you from the convayers asking for your declaration in writing that you will not want any other information from them and acknowledge that should I want more information that it will cost additional sums of money (like everything else in this world). I then receive a phone call from this same company asking why they haven't received my return reply and advising me that they cannot release the report until they have received my signature. ARGGGGHHHH I then explained the difficulty of being able to return a letter that I never received let alone having time to sign it and send it back and although Royal Mail is pretty efficient in the world of postage ... come off it!
I tried to fax them this evening, fax machine not working - so I scanned it and sent the PDF to the woman I spoke to on the phone. I have to say that I don't have the greatest of confidence as this woman checked the number I faxed the letter through to, she told me that I had the wrong number. I then informed her that I faxed to the number as outlined on the header of her letter. She then read out the apparent fax number. I informed her that the number she just gave me was the number i just dialed to speak to her... Oh dear ... let's see if the email arrives tomorrow. ~EEEK.

Please provide further proof that you are alive

How many pieces of evidence and paper can and must be provided to prove that you are alive and have been alive and have lived and are still living? I received another request for more proof that I have lived in the previous addresses in London so I thought that I could then include all the information I could for all the previous addresses I have had in France and the UK and a copy of my Australian License to prove that I lived there once too ... This is crazy.
The craziness is not at the request for such an absurd amount of paperwork but the fact that all of my identification pieces WERE all locked up in high security storage centre in another suburb from where I am working and living. So at 630 this morning off I went to my little cell which contains the majority of my London life and sorted through the piles of stuff in order to find the slips of paper, bank statements, credit card slips, insurance records, credit card receipt of delivery. You name, I grabbed it, photocopied it and then faxed it through. I was then advised that the fax was not clear enough so now `i have to send them all by snail mail to the brokers to then be sent on the the bank. CRAZY.

Mortgage Madness

I am going through a mortgage broker, as you will know, for buying the apartment (studio) in London. I filled in all the forms and my broker was quietly confident that I would be successful with the loan application. I received an email on Tuesday to say that I was unsuccessful stating that I had a low credit rating in the UK. That is to say, that I have not had enough debt nor credit cards for example, for them to show up on the system to tell them whether I am a good or bad risk.
Finally, Tony, my broker rang the bank and found out that the decision was based on the fact that I had an overseas address in the last 3 years of my 'address history'. However, after an hour or so and sadness in my heart and a tummy of despair, I received another email from Tony to say that I have been granted the mortgage even a little bit more to cover my new flooring, kitchen and a possible deposit for a summer house, garden office or lean to conservatory.
So the end point is that I have a mortgage in principle and it will all be a real one when I have signed the document and provided my proof of living in London. This is going to prove a little challenge in itself as I have bank statements and payslips at the address, however, I don't have any utilities in my name at the address because it's Ezio's house and not mine. This was another reason that it was difficult for the bank as I have rented rooms and not the house whilst being in London. They have become particularly strict to avoid fraud. Anyhow, I will keep you updated. Cheerio.

SOLD STC

It is usual practice for real estate agents not to list the property as sold until the property has had the property report completed and all surveys organised. I was chatting with sister dearest this morning who then informed me of the ever so important SOLD STC on the website - as shown in the attached photo. It is making is more real and feels closer, it will all be very very exciting when it all just happens and we all sign on the dotted line.

Mortgage Madness

I am going through a mortgage broker, as you will know, for buying the apartment (studio) in London. I filled in all the forms and my broker was quietly confident that I would be successful with the loan application. I received an email on Tuesday to say that I was unsuccessful stating that I had a low credit rating in the UK. That is to say, that I have not had enough debt nor credit cards for example, for them to show up on the system to tell them whether I am a good or bad risk.
Finally, Tony, my broker rang the bank and found out that the decision was based on the fact that I had an overseas address in the last 3 years of my 'address history'. However, after an hour or so and sadness in my heart and a tummy of despair, I received another email from Tony to say that I have been granted the mortgage even a little bit more to cover my new flooring, kitchen and a possible deposit for a summer house, garden office or lean to conservatory.
So the end point is that I have a mortgage in principle and it will all be a real one when I have signed the document and provided my proof of living in London. This is going to prove a little challenge in itself as I have bank statements and payslips at the address, however, I don't have any utilities in my name at the address because it's Ezio's house and not mine. This was another reason that it was difficult for the bank as I have rented rooms and not the house whilst being in London. They have become particularly strict to avoid fraud. Anyhow, I will keep you updated. Cheerio.

Mortgage One Step Closer ...

I had some final questions being asked by the wonderful mortgage broker today and he told me that we should all know the outcome of the bank's decision tonight or in the new day. Bring it on ... then the searching process can commence with the solicitors. I will let you know - when I know ... its a nerve wrecking experience for me - but it's all good and part of life.
It's so very very exciting but annoying at the sametime. I always try and stay positive, however, it is always sensible to stay with a realisitic and somewhat pessimistic approach - single bloke - moved lots - not much savings in the bank - only in full time job for 9 months - i think the odds are stacked against me. Saying that, however, Enrique (mortgage broker) believes that I will be fine ... he should know. I didn't ask him statistics on the chances though...

CIAO PEOPLE.

Studio Room - Sleeping

The studio room is sufficiently large, however, if it is to be a 'living room' as well as a sleeping room, there needs to be some clever engineering to take place. There are a number of great wall beds that are available, some here in the UK, others in France and Italy. They are a bit exciting. The following are made in Italy it is a 2002 model. I have just written to the manufacturers to see if it is still available and to see how much it will cost to have it sent to me. I have a sofa bed as well, thanks to the lovely Lorna, it will be a user friendly, guest happy studio. (short stays only).

REVOLVING DOUBLE BED
LMG 2002

STRUCTURE IN WHITE OR CHERRY COLOUR MELAMINE
METAL FRAME EMBOSSED ALUMINIUM
STAVE BEDSPRING CM 160 X 200
OPTIONAL : FOLDING TABLE

OUR REVOLVING DOUBLE BED 2002 IS EQUIPPED WITH A SIMPLE, SAFE AND INTUITIVE SYSTEM
TO RESOLVE THE PIECE OF FORNITURE WITHOUT TAKING AWAY ANY OBJECT FROM SIDE
VISIBLE DURING THE DAY - ON THE OTHER SIDE (THE NIGHT SIDE) IS THE DOUBLE BED WITH
SPACE ENOUGH EVEN FOR BLANKETS.

VERY PRATICAL AND FUNCIONAL IT ENLARGES THE LIVING SPACE

Improvement 2 - Kitchen

Ohhh for those of you who know me (which should be anyone reading this blog) Will understand how important the kitchen is to me and my life. This has been a hard room to try and create based on the fact that the current configuration in the studio is somewhat 'functional' not practical nor is it aesthetically pleasing.

The actual space for the kitchen can be considered as being very generous. I have several ideas that I need to try and plan and organise. Most useful I think will be an L shape creation, using basic free standing furniture on the 'free' wall. I would ideally like to cut an alcove into the bathroom so as a standup fridge/freezer could be accommodated without taking up too much valuable storage space for all the pots and pans and equipment I own. A trip to IKEA on Saturday was rather fruitful for ideas - including how to cover the hot water service (boiler) in the corner of the kitchen. The window is great and has a great view of the garden. I just have to find the right combination for this space. Here are a couple of suggestions:
The room is very light at the moment - so i need to try and keep that lightness to continue. I was originally going to make it a nice deep red colour but i think it will make the space look too small. There are several possibilities for the space - the price will be a big influence, I know but also practicality is important and storage storage storage. If I keep the kitchen to one side of the room - it will allow for a wall table to be erected and maybe a storage cupboard which will be used for the vacuum and ironing board - it's all in the thinking in a studio room.
I have also thought that I would like to take the wall down and open up the kitchen with a U shaped kitchen having a full bench where the wall used to be. If I don't take the wall away completely, I'd like to put in a sash window that will function to as to be able to open the space up or close it off if needed. Functionality of space is what I am after. If I do the window feature, I want it mirrored on the other side of the corridoor going into the studio room. That will, however, lead to less wall space for storage in the studio room.

First Improvement - Flooring

There is carpet all the way through the studio, including the bathroom. I am not understanding the British concept of having carpet on the floor of the bathrooms and toilets --- it may help keep warmth on the tootsies but why cant we wear slippers & socks?

I have thought about tiling the whole studio but for resale will not be the best option - so I have been looking at floorboards and laminates and linos. I think I have decided on AquaLoc+ laminate which is sold by B&Q - it is for the whole studio.

I have decided that this is the first and main improvement on the studio that I will do before actually moving in. The rest of the improvements will happen with time - bit by bit. I think I have to organise a TO-DO list and make a timeline which can be done with budget over time.

Going Once Twice, Three Times and Sold

It is an anxious time when you find a place that you really want and are determined to make it yours yours yours.

The property price was #129,950 - I put in an offer for $1250,000 as it was right on the limit of the no stamp duty to be paid - which was the goal (#1250.00 saving) The vendors were aware of this and the offers they had in were at that or below - however, as the size of the backyard is near on 56FT long - it was going to be perfect paradise for the Harrymeister. I also have the possibility to place an office or a lean to conservtory. It's time to start the planning process if successful.

I had the initial offer rejected, so I upped it a level the vendor still hanging out for another offer higher, so i offered for the third and final time - and BINGO successful without paying the full purchase price. Now is the time to try and find finance...

The Studio Wanted:

I had subscribed to www.rightmove.co.uk to be alerted of new properties that were put on the net in my price range ... I thought that i could just try a manual search when I did not receive any properties that interested me in weeks.
I spotted this property today ... these photos are from the website and if I am successful these will all become the 'Before' photos. I rang the agents on Thursday and arranged a viewing on Saturday 12pm.

The background ...

So the buying bug has been in me since i realised that the British banks should, in theory, lend to 'Key Workers' who are on a permanent working contract. As I commenced in January at the current school, I have been looking around to see what is out there and what could I afford. The crunch came really in July when I was burgled for the second time in Streatham, London. The hunt has been slow and tedious --- hope things will pick up.