Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

When temperatures drop and winter sets in, many pests begin searching for warm places to hide. Unfortunately, that often means moving into homes, garages and workplaces. December might feel too cold for insects and rodents to be active, but it’s one of the busiest times of the year for pest control callouts. Understanding which pests are most common at this time of year, and knowing how to deal with them, can help protect your home and stop infestations before they become serious. This guide explains the top December pests, why they appear, and the steps you can take to prevent them....

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Tips for finding a property to rent

It is estimated that around 40% of the population now live in private rented accommodation. This is in stark contrast to a couple of decades ago, when most people were owner occupiers. Unfortunately times have changed and the younger generation can’t afford to get on to the housing ladder, thanks to sky high deposits and rising property prices. So if you, like millions of others, can’t afford to buy a home, here are some tips for finding the right property to rent.

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You will find properties to rent in virtually all areas of the UK, but not all of them will be...

Exclusive development opens in Axminster

Independent developer C G Fry & Son Ltd., with multi-award winning sites across the south west, officially opened its new three-bedroom detached showhome with a ribbon cutting ceremony at ‘Lea Place’ development in Axminster. The small, and exclusive development of just 13 private new-build homes, is built in two adjoining cul-de-sacs with the first properties available for sale this autumn with prices starting from £249,950.

C G Fry & Son, an award-winning builder with an enviable reputation for craftsmanship, a high-quality finish and attention to detail, is well-known...

Doubts raised over Dawlish Air Show

Doubts have been raised over the future of Dawlish Air Show.

The following statement has been posted on the show's website:

"Volunteers, fans, visitors, supporters and Friends of Dawlish Airshow, thank you for your continued support and interest in the show and your patience while waiting for us to announce the 2016 date.

"After much deliberation we have decided that, at this moment in time, we will be taking a break during next year’s airshow season. "We have had over 10 years of amazing displays in Dawlish and won awards internationally. We have been rewarded by...

Property set for investment rise in Exeter

Property investments are set to rise in Exeter following changes in pension laws with leading housebuilder Barratt Homes already reporting increased interest.

A recent survey by the five star housebuilder revealed that 43 per cent of people would consider property if they were looking to invest £25,000,’’ said Barratt Homes sales director Sara Parker. “And the survey showed that more than 50 per cent believe property is a safer investment than shares.”

She said the survey also revealed that 70 per cent are looking for a regular income from their investment which suggests...

SW bill payers missing out on £180m

New data reveals there is a staggering £180 million worth of savings available to households in the South West if they simply switch their energy supplier.

As colder weather sets in, the Government revealed new figures estimating that 900,000 households in the South West still stand to save £200 or more by switching their gas and electricity supplier.

However a recent poll of over 2,000 UK adults conducted by the Government found that of those surveyed in the South West:

Only six per cent realised they could save £200 or more by switching;
23 per

Village celebrates opening of new homes

Residents of Sandford, near Crediton, are celebrating after the official opening of affordable new homes in the village. Summerfield Developments have recently completed work on the Creedy View development set in the Mid-Devon countryside.

The scheme is the first major residential development in the area for over 20 years and each of the nineteen properties have been carefully designed by the Taunton-based developer to complement its delightful rural location, while offering all the benefits of a modern home.

Chair of Sandford Parish Council, Shuana Waller, invited local...

House sales in SW continue to rise

House sales continue to pick up across the South West in September supported by a modest improvement in the availability of mortgage finance, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

Across the region, 19% more chartered surveyors saw a rise in agreed sales, with 23% more respondents expecting a rise in sales expectations over the next three months. This trend in agreed sales outstrips the national rate, with 14% more surveyors reporting a rise in agreed sales across the UK.

The stronger sales trend in the UK is broadly reflective of an upturn in demand...

Tenants safer under new Government measures

New fire safety measures will help save the lives of tenants and ensure all rented property is equipped with a smoke alarm, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said today.

From today (1 October), landlords will be required by law to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties, under new Government measures coming into force.

It is estimated this could help prevent more than 25 deaths and nearly 700 injuries a year. Landlords who fail to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms could face up to a £5,000 civil penalty.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said...

Thousands of elderly risk death from electrical fires

Older people in the UK are disproportionately at risk from electrical hazards, according to research by leading charity, Electrical Safety First.

The Charity has found that a person over 60 is ten times more likely to die in a fire than somebody aged 17 to 24. And more than half of the accidental fire-related deaths last year in Great Britain were people aged 65 and olderii.

“Half of all accidental electrical fires are caused by misuse, so they are preventable,” said Phil Buckle, Director-General of Electrical Safety First. “

Elsie Van der Steen, 85, was left with...

Exeter property market attracting London buyers

Most of you will be aware of the significant increase in house prices in London , which has definitely had its fair share of advertisement and media coverage. However, what most people aren’t as aware of is that since the fourth quarter of 2013, the number of home sales recorded in Prime Central London (PCL) has been rapidly falling. There are a number of arguments when it comes to the reason for this – including the idea that more homeowners are hanging on to their properties in the hope of the value increasing more, whilst more potential buyers are also looking elsewhere in a bid for a...

Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

Tips for finding a property to rent

Exclusive development opens in Axminster

Doubts raised over Dawlish Air Show

Property set for investment rise in Exeter

SW bill payers missing out on £180m

Village celebrates opening of new homes

House sales in SW continue to rise

Tenants safer under new Government measures

Thousands of elderly risk death from electrical fires

Exeter property market attracting London buyers

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