Latest news with #Homes
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
How do I know what to offer for a house
RNZ's money correspondent answers your questions about buying a house. Photo: RNZ We're trying to buy a first home and lots of places we look at are "price by negotiation" or deadline sales. How do we know what to offer? I think there are a few things you can do to help give you a guide to what sort of offer might be appropriate. It can help to look at other recent sales in the area, and work out how they compare. You can find these on sites like - if you see a place that looks a similar size and condition and in the same sort of area, it might give you a guide as to what might be reasonable. This is where going to a few open homes before you start looking seriously can really help, because you'll get a sense of what represents good value. Sometimes you see data going around about a certain suburb selling at a percentage above or below CV - this can give you a general guide but won't account for the specific features of the particular house you're looking at. But Steve Goodey, who does a lot of this in his work as a property investor and investment coach said those sorts of data sites would not help for some of the factors that can make all the difference when you're buying a house to live in. He said while an offer for a rental property was usually about making the numbers work, when it was an owner-occupied deal other facts were more important, like the vendor's motivation, how badly the buyer wanted a particular property, how soon they needed a house and how "special" a place was. The price that a vendor might be willing to accept will also be influenced to a degree by their circumstances - someone who is just testing the market to see if they can sell will be less likely to take a lower offer than someone who needs to move. If someone bought recently, they might also have less room to accept a lower price than someone who bought a long time ago. Real estate salespeople should give you a guide as to what sort of price range the property might be in, but remember they are acting for the vendor. You'll need to do your own research and offer a price that feels right for you. It's then up to the salesperson to present that offer to the vendor, and you can negotiate from there if it's appropriate. I'm thinking about buying an investment property but how does it work to use the equity from my existing house? It's quite common for property investors to get started by using the equity in their own homes. It works like this. If you bought your house a while ago, and you've paid down your home loan, you might have built up extra equity in your property. Say for example you bought your house 10 years ago for $500,000 and it's now worth $1 million. If you had a home loan initially for $400,000, and you've paid off a bit of the loan over time, so you now owe $350,000, you've gone from having $100,000 equity to having $650,000. The bank may let you increase your loan to $800,000, giving you $450,000 that can be used to purchase an investment property. You can use that equity as a deposit and then get a loan for up to 70 percent of the investment property's value to complete the deal. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Want to buy a Rock the Block season 6 home? All properties to hit the market in Utah this month
The luxury homes from HGTV's Rock the Block Season 6 are going up for sale in Grantsville, Utah. Built by Hamlet Homes, these one-of-a-kind properties will be available after a special Block Party event on May 30 and 31. Each home sits on a one-acre lot with 360-degree views The four HGTV Rock the Block Season 6 homes in Grantsville, Utah, are officially going up for sale, offering fans a chance to own a luxury property featured on the hit renovation series Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The four homes featured in HGTV's Rock the Block Season 6 are officially heading to the Utah real estate market. Built by Hamlet Homes in Grantsville, just outside Salt Lake City, the luxurious properties will be available for purchase at the end of May, Homes is hosting a public Block Party on May 30 and 31 where HGTV fans can tour each of the Rock the Block houses, shop for show merchandise, and place bids on select items used during filming. Proceeds from the event will benefit HomeAid read: Handmaid's Tale season 6 episode 6 release date: Check full schedule of all 10 episodes In a video shared on Hamlet Homes' official Instagram page, owner and vice president of marketing Tami Ostmark said, "Have you ever dreamed of owning a Rock the Block home? Well now's your chance. That's right, all four of the Rock the Block homes from season 6 are officially hitting the market at the end of this month. We're talking large, luxurious, one-of-a-kind homes, each sitting on a one-acre lot, with 360-degree views that are just unreal."Season 6 of Rock the Block has showcased fierce competition among top HGTV designers. While the winning team gets their names on the street sign and a donation made in their name to No Kid Hungry, the real prize may now be for Utah homebuyers."Tucked in the heart of beautiful Grantsville, Utah, these homes aren't just stunning—they're truly special. There's no better location, and no homes like these, anywhere," Ostmark of the four Rock the Block homes was evaluated for final appraisal and will now be listed for sale. Although they appeared fully furnished on the show with pieces from Wayfair, a spokesperson confirmed the houses will be sold homes are expected to draw significant attention from fans of the show, prospective buyers, and luxury real estate enthusiasts read: Yellowstone Season 6 is finally confirmed? Here's why fans think the US series is not ending The exact listing prices for the Rock the Block properties have yet to be revealed. However, given the show's popularity and the scale of the renovations, the homes are likely to make a splash in the Utah real estate market.
Time Business News
22-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
How Damp and Mould Can Damage Your Health and Your Home
Living in a safe and healthy environment is a basic human right. Unfortunately, thousands of tenants across the UK are forced to endure unsafe conditions due to housing disrepair—particularly damp and mould. These issues, often overlooked by landlords, can have devastating effects on both your home and your health. If you're experiencing ongoing issues with damp and mould and your landlord is ignoring your complaints, it's time to take action. The Housing Disrepair Compensation can help you hold negligent landlords accountable and support your right to live in a habitable property. Damp and mould are caused when excess moisture accumulates inside a property and is not properly ventilated or resolved. Common causes include: Leaky roofs or pipes Rising damp from the ground due to poor foundations Condensation from poor insulation or lack of ventilation Blocked gutters or drainage systems When moisture is left to linger, it encourages mould growth—usually appearing as black, green, or brown patches on walls, ceilings, and around windows. Mould spores spread easily and thrive in cold, damp environments, turning your home into a potential health hazard. The risks of damp and mould extend far beyond an unsightly wall. Mould spores release allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances that affect your body every time you breathe them in. For vulnerable tenants, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, the health implications are even more severe. Asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions Skin rashes, itching, and irritation Persistent coughing and sneezing Eye irritation and headaches Infections and worsening of immune system-related conditions Studies by health authorities, including the NHS, confirm that long-term exposure to mould can significantly reduce quality of life. Yet many landlords continue to ignore repair requests—putting tenants at unnecessary risk. Damp doesn't just impact your health—it also damages your belongings and the structure of your home. Furniture, clothing, and electronic devices can all be ruined by mould growth. Over time, damp can weaken plaster, warp flooring, corrode metal fixtures, and cause extensive structural damage to the property. Left unresolved, even minor damp patches can lead to: Rotten window frames and doors Crumbling plaster and peeling paint Warped floorboards Foul odours Worsened energy efficiency due to trapped moisture This deterioration not only reduces your quality of living but also increases the cost and difficulty of future repairs—something landlords are legally obligated to prevent. Landlords in the UK are legally required to maintain their properties in a state fit for habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This includes addressing issues such as: Damp and mould Leaks Ventilation problems Structural damage If you've reported damp or mould to your landlord and they have failed to take appropriate action, they may be in breach of their legal responsibilities. You may be entitled to compensation for any harm to your health, damage to belongings, and inconvenience suffered. If you're facing damp and mould issues in your rented home, here's what you should do: Take clear photos of all affected areas. Keep records of all communication with your landlord about the problem, including emails, messages, and written letters. Always report the issue in writing, even if you've spoken to them before. This ensures a paper trail that proves your efforts to resolve the issue. If your landlord fails to act, you can report the issue to your local council. The Environmental Health Department may inspect your home and force the landlord to carry out repairs under a legal notice. If you are still being ignored, a housing disrepair claims expert can help you start legal action against your landlord. You don't have to suffer in silence—support is available. Yes, if you've suffered due to unresolved damp and mould in your home, you may be able to claim compensation. Successful claims typically cover: Health-related issues caused or worsened by mould Damage to personal belongings such as furniture and clothes Emotional stress and inconvenience Time spent without essential parts of the home being usable Claiming compensation can also encourage landlords to take repairs seriously and make lasting improvements to their properties. The Housing Disrepair Team UK is a trusted claims management company dedicated to supporting tenants whose landlords have failed in their legal obligations. Their experienced team specialises in identifying and proving housing disrepair and securing compensation for affected tenants. Whether you're facing damp, mould, leaks, broken heating, or pest issues, they can guide you through the claims process from start to finish. They operate on a no win, no fee basis, which means there's no financial risk to you. With their help, you can restore your living conditions and receive the justice you deserve. While it's the landlord's responsibility to fix the root causes of damp, tenants can take a few practical steps to reduce the impact until proper repairs are made: Keep windows open slightly when cooking or showering Use extractor fans where possible Avoid drying clothes indoors or ensure good ventilation when doing so Wipe away condensation regularly Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow air flow However, remember that these are only temporary measures. If structural or plumbing issues are causing the damp, it is the landlord's duty to fix them. Damp and mould are not just minor inconveniences—they are serious threats to your health and safety. Tenants should never accept living in these conditions, especially when landlords are legally responsible for resolving the issues. Recognising the early warning signs of damp and mould allows you to take swift action and prevent further damage. If you've been living with damp and mould and your landlord has failed to carry out repairs, Reach out to the Housing Disrepair Team UK for expert help. Your home should be a place of comfort—not a source of harm. Stand up for your rights and claim the safe, habitable living space you deserve. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We live in shadow of abandoned UK theme park left to rot for over decade – new plans could DESTROY our peaceful village
DISGRUNTLED residents living next to an abandoned theme park have slammed plans to bring it back to life. Locals who live a stone's throw away from the former Camelot Theme Park, in Lancashire, fear their peaceful sleepy town could be ruined. Advertisement 6 Residents living next to an abandoned theme park have slammed new plans for the site Credit: CHRIS NEILL 6 The once thriving attraction has been closed since 2012 Credit: CHRIS NEILL 6 An application to build a housing development has been strongly opposed by locals Credit: CHRIS NEILL It comes after plans to build 350 homes on the site have been submitted. The once thriving theme park has lay derelict since the attraction shut down in 2012 due to dwindling visitor numbers. We're not Nimbys. It's just wrong to build so many new homes here Local resident This is not the first time plans have been proposed, with similar applications turned down in 2017 and 2019. But Developers Story Homes haven't given up, despite the area being greenbelt land. Advertisement Read More They have now approached Chorley Borough Council with a 'screening opinion' request to identify environmental issues before requesting a full planning application. The firm claim planned housing would blend seamlessly with the local landscape. However, residents in the nearby villages of Heskin and Eccleston, once home to Olympic bike legend Bradley Wiggins, believe the new homes will 'spoil' the character of the area. They object to the use of greenbelt land and claim it will lead to an increase in traffic. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking And residents are also worried there isn't 'sufficient infrastructure' such as schools and doctors to cope. Sue Warburton, 57, said she moved to Heskin a month a go so she 'could be in the countryside'. We live in UK's 'boy racer capital' - wannabe Vin Diesels in souped up cars tear up streets in illegal races EVERY night 'Personally, I think it would cost too much to develop the land - it must all be rubble now," she told The Sun. 'The reason I moved her was to live in the countryside. Advertisement 'I can see lots of trees from my home and it's lovely. 'I would't like to live in a town now. 'There used to be reason to not build on the greenbelt because there's not enough countryside. 'And I don't want to see trees cut down for new homes.' Advertisement Fellow resident Melvin Otter, 75, who's lived in Heskin for more than 50 years, said he disliked the theme park because of the 'loud screaming and shouting'. And he's also against the plans to develop the site. 'Where's all the new infrastructure coming from?' he said. 'It's not just a case of the new homes, what about the stuff to go with it? Advertisement 'The schools must be oversubscribed round here and I'm really glad I haven't got children of my own - where would they go?' 'And the footpaths are just not big enough either. 'The there's the noise from additional traffic.' He added: 'I hope the council reject the plans. Advertisement 'But perhaps it won't be as easy this time because the government have said they want to build more homes.' 'WE'RE NOT NIMBYS' A couple, who didn't wish to be named, claimed it was 'impossible' to get an appointment with their local GP already and the addition of 350 new homes would only make the situation worse. They added: 'It will be a big problem for existing residents. 'They have been building other new homes in the area too. Advertisement 'I don't know why they can't look at developing derelict sites on the edges of towns or cities. 'We're not Nimbys. It's just wrong to build so many new homes here.' Ian Bridge, 65, who lives in nearby Chorley, added: 'I'm of the mind that greenbelt land should remain greenbelt. 'And it's the wrong policy to allow it. Advertisement 'We hear all this blather about about climate change but it seems this is being ignored when it comes to building on the greenbelt. 'I fear the council may have to fall in the line with government policy and there's nothing they'll be able to do about it." According to the application by Story Homes, the proposed development would "deliver a mix of much-needed family homes and a community hub that can offer an accessible local facility for the community" while protecting "existing sensitive habitats, such as areas of ancient woodland'. It said' "While the proposed development proposes a change in land use, predominantly from a vacant former theme park site to residential dwellings, this is in keeping with the surrounding environment. Advertisement "The area is characterised by development including residential dwellings to the west, and M6 to the east which is already an urbanised area and would therefore not distinctly change the character of the area." Camelot enthralled punters with rides and restaurants inspired by the mythical king, the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's legendary sword Excalibur for 29 years. It even boasted a live jousting ring. Local legend has it that the area was once covered by the largest freshwater lake in England, Martin Mere, until it was drained in 1692. Advertisement Councillor Alex Hilton, Executive Cabinet Member for Planning and Development at Chorley Council said: 'We are yet to receive a planning application for this site. "If a planning application is submitted, we will review the application in the same way as we would all applications and in full consideration of public and other stakeholder feedback. "The decision would then be made after consideration by our planning committee.' This comes as a couple who have lived next to one of the UK's biggest theme parks for 40 years can watch rollercoasters from their garden. Advertisement Bert Forse, 90, and his wife June, 88, say they've grown to like the rickety noise of the rides coming from Oakwood Theme Park, near Tenby, Wales. When they bought their detached house 58 years ago, the action-packed park wasn't there. Oakwood opened in 1987 - quickly becoming a hit with locals and tourists. And an influx of visitors even meant an overflow car park spilled onto Bert and June's back door. Advertisement Despite the pair, who have been married for 65 years, getting free tickets for having it on their doorstep, the pensioners have only visited once. Elsewhere, residents of a village by the site of the UK's first Universal theme park claim Plus, furious locals living near the site of a proposed What are your rights? By Summer Raemason Every planning application submitted to a local authority must undergo a period of public consultation which varies in length between three and eight weeks. Most councils publish details of planning applications on their websites. You can find the website address for your local planning authority on the Planning Portal. Alternatively, open applications can be viewed at your local town hall and the offices of your local planning authority. The Planning Portal does not offer the facility to comment on applications directly. Therefore you will need to contact your local planning authority if you want to have your say on a planning application in your area. There are a number of ways to do this: If you are a neighbour affected by a planning application the local planning authority will either notify you directly or display a site notice on or near the land to which the application relates. You could contact the planning offices of your local authority to involve yourself in the consultation process. The local planning authority may offer a service on its website. You are allowed to attend planning committee meetings to hear applications being considered. You are also allowed to have your say at these meetings but you must notify the council in advance of the meeting. 6 The area is classified as greenbelt land Credit: CHRIS NEILL Advertisement 6 Residents say a new housing development would bring traffic chaos and noise pollution Credit: CHRIS NEILL 6 The developers have already requested to use the land twice in previous years Credit: CHRIS NEILL
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans for 266 new homes in Brigg withdrawn
Plans to build 266 new homes in Brigg have been Homes was granted permission to build 290 properties on the outskirts of the town in May last permission was also sought for what would have been the second phase of the said it had withdrawn the application for the second phase due to an overlap with an application from another developer. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Gleeson Homes has submitted a proposal for 112 homes on much of the same land, north of Western Avenue and to the south of the a statement, Bellway told LDRS it had withdrawn its application "due to the boundary of the planned development overlapping with an adjacent application from another house builder". "We are currently reviewing our plans and are unable to provide any further details at this stage," a spokesperson land north of Western Avenue is allocated for housing in North Lincolnshire Council's Local Plan. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
