house

Housing provider pledges to build more than 2,000 affordable homes in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 10/13/2022 - 4:27pm

A leading housing association is set to build more than 2,000 affordable homes in Devon over the next five years as part of a £1billion investment in the regional economy.

As the largest housing provider in the South West, LiveWest has more than 15,000 homes in Devon and currently owns more than 39,000 homes across the South West.

LiveWest has stepped up its investment in the county over the past year after building 280 affordable homes made up of 98 for affordable rent, 67 for social rent and 115 for shared ownership.

In South Hams, 40 affordable homes were...

Win £10,000 to put towards a house deposit by finding a pair of keys launched from space

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 01/17/2022 - 8:44pm

Struggling to buy a home? Find a pair of keys launched from space and you can win a whopping £10,000 towards your house deposit!

In this exciting new competition, led by regulated property buyers, GoodMove a pair of keys are being launched into space! They will land anywhere in the UK, and the first person to find them and call the number on the keys will get their hands on £10,000 to use towards a house deposit*.

And with average house prices now standing at an average of £276,091¹ - who wouldn’t love a bit of extra help towards getting their dream home?

In the...

Are tradespeople allowed in the home in England?

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 03/01/2021 - 9:21pm

James Lee, communications director at MyGlazing.com , the consumer advice site of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF), comments: “As we find ourselves in another national lockdown, many are asking themselves if the latest Government guidelines allow tradespeople to work in their home – and the answer if you live in England is yes. Tradespeople are able to conduct work in homes across England, as long as the Government safe guidelines are followed, all relevant measures have been implemented and reasonable precautions taken.

“To ensure maximum safety for all parties, it’s...

Christmas returns to Castle Drogo after 7 years

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 12/13/2019 - 10:30am

Castle Drogo will be open for Christmas for the first time since a major conservation project began seven years ago to make the building watertight.

Although the building work now has the end in sight, there is still much work to be done to restore the castle’s grounds and interiors back into the Drewe’s family home, which is likely to continue into 2020. However, the building is now watertight, meaning that Christmas can return to the castle once again.

From Saturday 30 November until Monday 23 December, Castle Drogo will be open and decorated for Christmas, inspired by...

Barratt Homes becomes Exeter College’s Employer of the Month

A local south west house builder has been recognised by Exeter College for championing apprenticeships.

Barratt Homes was awarded the title of Employer of the Month for its work with students and for appointing the UK’s first ever marketing apprentice, Barney Munn.

In addition to the new marketing role, there are 13 apprentices working towards their NVQ levels two and three at Barratt Homes across the region. They will be covering topics including carpentry with 10 bricklaying and one each in technical and commercial.

As the five star house builder celebrates its...

Barratt Homes reinforces position as the UK’s most recommended housebuilder

Local housebuilder Barratt Homes has received the maximum 5 star rating in the new Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey.

The number of stars awarded is based on responses to the question “would you recommend your builder to a friend?” For Barratt to have been awarded 5 stars means that more than 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend.

Barratt is currently the only major national housebuilder to be rated as 5 star for nine years in a row, having first been awarded the accolade back in 2010.

With 2018 also being the 60th...

Killerton celebrates completion of roof conservation thanks to public support

It has been a year since Killerton, a much-loved National Trust gem near Exeter, saw scaffolding go up for major TLC to the roof and building. After astounding public support, the successful conservation project has finished.

Over ten months, the roof scape has been transformed. The worst affected roofs have been replaced, removing an unsightly temporary roof and old ventilation units. Urgent repairs and restoration to the stonework, parapets and roof lanterns is complete. A grant from Viridor Credits enabled the reintroduction of seven historic chimneys, with wood burners...

Concern at increase in repossession actions

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 10/31/2017 - 6:07am

Leading local advice charity, Citizens Advice Exeter, has raised concerns about an overall 3.8% increase in the number of housing repossession cases listed at Exeter County Court in the six-month period ending 30th September. This is in comparison to the same period in 2016.

Steve Barriball, Citizens Advice Exeter Chief Executive, said: “In the last six-months there were 296 cases listed for repossession, an overall 3.8% increase, or 11 cases, on the previous year. However, there was a small reduction in mortgage repossessions, which were down by four cases.

“The biggest...

Apprentice Joe picks up carpentry award

Barratt Homes apprentice Joe Harris (19) is celebrating this week, after picking up a coveted carpentry accolade from Exeter College.

The award-winner, now in his second year, is learning his trade at the housebuilder’s Saxon Fields development in Cullompton and has been named Site Carpentry Level 2 Apprentice of the Year 2016-17.

“Big congratulations to Joe - this is fantastic news,” said Barratt Homes managing director Paul Moran. “We are all very proud of him because he has worked incredibly hard for this award. And to add to his success, he has completed his level two...

Mortgage and private rental repossessions on the increase

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 06/22/2017 - 10:42am

Leading local advice charity, Citizens Advice Exeter, is expressing its concern as mortgage cases listed at Exeter County Court rose by 19% and private rented sector cases rose by 9% in the last year. This is comparing the year ending 31st March 2017 to the same period ending in 2016.

Across all housing sectors, there was an overall decrease of 0.5% in the total number of cases listed. Where a Citizens Advice adviser has assisted those facing repossession, they have avoided repossession in 92% of cases. Exeter City Council, in partnership with East Devon District Council, has...

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