Homes & Gardens

Energy bills are spiralling and people are feeling the pinch, especially with boilers being fired up for winter. Fortunately energy-conscious homeowners will get the chance to learn how to make a massive impact on fuel bills, by switching to a renewable heating system. On Saturday 2 November, Plumb Center’s Exeter Sowton branch will open its doors to anyone who’s interested in seeing renewables in action, and learning about the government funding that makes installations more affordable than ever. Homeowners will also have the chance to meet qualified local installers, and see the products...

Housebuilding in the South West is continuing to rebound with chartered surveyors across the region reporting growth, says the latest RICS construction market survey.

During the third quarter of the year, the region’s surveyors reported rises in privately-funded housing projects. Furthermore, on a national level, this is the first time that every part of the country has reported growth since the beginning of the market crash six years ago and demonstrates that the long-awaited upturn in numbers of new homes may finally be underway.

Additionally, the overall construction...

House prices in the South West rose by an average of 2.6% in the year to August 2013 according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The average price of a house or flat in the region now stands at £230,000.

The 2.6% rise is lower than the overall UK figure of 3.8% and the 4.1% for England which are both skewed by a considerable rise in London of 8.7%. The South West figure shows the fourth highest regional rise in the UK, behind only London, the East Midlands and West Midlands.

House prices across the whole of the UK reached a new record...

Rob Jones-Davies, a specialist in sourcing country houses and estates for discerning customers looking for a home in the country, has been appointed by nationwide planning and development specialists Rural Solutions.

With an extensive knowledge of rural properties across the South of England and the North East from where he originates, Rob Jones-Davies joins the business as a director. Given his widespread understanding and network he has been appointed to expand Rural Solutions' reach across the South, with specific focus upon the South West.

Rob Jones-Davies, having...