Category: Property

Outline Planning Permission Granted
McCartneys LLP Planning and Survey Department have obtained outline planning approval for the erection of 35 dwellings (30% to be affordable) on an edge of town site at Presteigne.
The site was submitted to Powys for inclusion with the LDP and succesfully allocated.
Application approved following delay with phosphates, but with no other issues following a success Pre Application Consultation beforehand.
All design work, obtaining consultee reports and application work undertaken by ourselves.
Have any potential development sites in mind? Contact us to discuss further, we’re able to help with all aspects including architectural design and all types of planning applications.
Lewis lewis.price@mccartneys.co.uk 01874 610990
Geraint geraint.jones@mccartneys.co.uk 07875 222 835 / 01938 531000
Survey@mccartneys.co.uk 01544 230316 / 01584 813766

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Japanese knotweed can be disastrous for your property and so there are some important things you need to know! Although not toxic to humans, this aggressive plant can seriously damage your home.

Every homeowner should understand how to identify the plant, and how to eradicate it from their property successfully. This is particularly relevant if you are in the process of selling your home. As the seller, if you have Japanese knotweed, you are obligated to inform your buyer of your knowledge of the plant on your property’s land – a responsibility put in place to help stop the spread of Japanese knotweed.

What is Japanese Knotweed?

Originating from eastern Asia, Japanese knotweed was brought to the UK in the 1840s. It is a highly invasive plant that thrives wherever there is a water source. Across the UK, it is rife near lakes and along riverbanks. However, it is also unfortunately common in residential gardens. Japanese knotweed can be extremely difficult to spot, as to the amateur gardener, the plant looks remarkably like many other weeds present in our gardens. One of the unique characteristics of Japanese knotweed is its heart-shaped leaves, which are generally around 10cm in length. The spring shoots of Japanese knotweed are distinctive in their deep red and purple colouring.

What are the Dangers of Japanese Knotweed?

Luckily, Japanese knotweed is entirely harmless to humans. It is not toxic and will not hurt humans or animals if they are in contact with, or even ingest the plant. However, it is incredibly damaging to the environment and can cause devastating destruction to human-made and natural landscapes. Japanese knotweed is known to have destroyed robust, vital structures such as flood defences and railway lines. So, if found on a residential property, it must be dealt with immediately. There are no natural predators of Japanese knotweed, so the plant can quickly grow out of control. It develops a massive root system, which spreads underground without us realising. Meaning, it can easily destroy drainage systems and the foundations of buildings.

Is Japanese Knotweed Illegal?

Whilst it is not illegal to simply have the plant on your land, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to ensure the plant, and its dangers, do not spread to your neighbours and around your local area.

How do I Get Rid of Japanese Knotweed?

Homeowners are not under a legal duty to remove the plant from their land. But you could face a hefty fine if you choose to remove, and do not dispose of it safely. This is why it is always preferable to hire a professional to deal with the issue. There are two common ways to get rid of Japanese knotweed. The first is with a chemical treatment. Although this can be highly effective, it can actually take several years to kill the plant due to its extraordinarily fast-growing and durable nature. Alternatively, you may decide to dig up, physically remove and bury the plant elsewhere. In which case, you must use an authorised landfill or disposal site. If not disposed of correctly, the plant will simply begin to regrow and cause even more issues. The vehicle used to transport it must be jet washed afterwards to reduce the plant’s revival chances.

Japanese Knotweed Is Your Responsibility

The first rule as a homeowner is to be honest. Pretending you were not aware of Japanese knotweed existence on your land can have serious repercussions later down the line. As the seller, you can get into a legal battle should it become an issue for the new owners. As a buyer, the existence of Japanese knotweed can affect your mortgage entitlement.

Can Japanese Knotweed Affect My Home’s Value?

Unfortunately, it can drastically affect the value of your home. If the problem has been left to develop, there could be substantial structural damages, meaning the house could be worth significantly less than you imagined. Luckily, if caught in the early stages, Japanese Knotweed is not ridiculously expensive to deal with. The professionals know how to eradicate and dispose of the plant, ensuring it does not return to your property.

Japanese Knotweed and Purchasing a New Home

If a home seller is aware of Japanese knotweed on a property, they are under a legal obligation to declare this on the property documentation. So, as a new buyer, when you are finalising the documents, you will be aware of the plant’s presence. If you are the seller, you must declare the presence of Japanese knotweed. Mortgage lenders will require proof that the knotweed will be eradicated before finalising any mortgage agreement. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will not offer a mortgage to a home with Japanese knotweed, but that they will want to see a professional eradication plan in place before guaranteeing the property.

If you are thinking of selling call your local McCartneys office for an appraisal of your home.

The team at McCartneys love a bit of technology and recently we’ve been asked ‘what is a smart home?’ There’s lots of interest in this topic, so in this article, we are delving into the technology that’s reshaping our living spaces and transforming property.

We are talking ‘smart homes’. From speaking a command to dim your lights, to orchestrating a symphony of automation within your home, smart homes are not just a fleeting trend but are now defining modern living. So, let’s look at the latest cutting-edge innovations in the UK property market.

What is a Smart Home?

Imagine arriving home after a busy day, and as you reach your doorstep, it recognises your presence and lets you into your home without the usual fumbling dance of finding your keys! This is the realm of smart homes, where technology intertwines with your daily life, making it smoother and more convenient.

Unveiling the Essence of Smart Homes

Let’s peel back the layers and unveil the true essence of a smart home. These aren’t just homes peppered with gadgets; they’re intelligently designed living spaces that offer control and automation. Think about the comfort of your thermostat adjusting itself based on the temperature outside, your lights responding when you walk into a room, or your security system alerting you via your smartphone. It’s like having a futuristic home servant!

Is Smart Technology a Tech-Savvy Investment?

Now, you might be wondering if investing in smart technology is just a flashy indulgence? Well, at McCartneys HQ we feel that embracing smart technology will ease your day-to-day routine and could add considerable value to your property.

It’s not just about convenience; it’s about making a savvy financial move. Research suggests that homes equipped with smart technology tend to sell faster and at higher price points compared to their non-tech counterparts.

From Gadgetry to Lifestyle Enrichment

Now you know, what is a smart home, but before you visualise a house laden with all manner of screens and sensors, let’s set the record straight. Smart technology is more than just lots of gadgets. It’s about crafting a lifestyle that adapts and empowers you.

• Forgot to turn off your oven?
• Longing for a cosy atmosphere to binge-watch the latest must-see Netflix series?
• Want to switch the washing machine on before you get home?

No problem! These commands are just a few swipes away on your smartphone. In reality, with smart homes, you’re not just upgrading your living quarters. You’re upgrading how you live.

The Innovations of Smart Homes

Let’s go on a whirlwind tour of the innovations revolutionising homes across the UK:

• Voice Assistants: Meet your AI-powered companions, Alexa and Google Assistant. These virtual assistants can control your smart devices, play music, answer queries, and set reminders, all through simple voice commands.
• Energy Efficiency: Enter smart thermostats that learn your daily routines and automatically adjust the temperature, cutting your energy bills while curbing your carbon footprint.
• Security Redefined: Say goodbye to traditional security measures. Smart cameras and doorbell cameras are your vigilant security guards, alerting you via your smartphone whenever any motion is detected, either inside or outside your home.
• Home Choreography: Imagine a home that choreographs itself to your routine. You can automatically light up rooms, open and close curtains, and even brew your morning coffee.
• Entertainment Haven: From smart TVs to seamless streaming devices and surround sound systems, your home becomes a cinematic paradise.

Taking the First Steps into Smart Homes

Enthralled by the idea of a smart home? Your journey begins by identifying the aspects of your life that could benefit from a technological upgrade. Whether optimising your home’s temperature, bolstering security, or introducing automation into your routine.

If you would like expert advice on all things property, our team at McCartneys would love to hear from you. Call your local office now.

Stress is one of the common factors that we can’t seem to escape. Even something as exciting as moving house can trigger a stress response. The thrill of a fresh start and exploring a new neighbourhood can quickly be replaced by feelings of moving house stress, tension and anxiety.

Moving house stress is familiar to an estimated 13 million movers yearly in the UK. Hence, dealing with it effectively is important for maintaining our well-being during this period.

Why are we stressed about moving?

Several things contribute to moving home stress. The Royal Mail ‘Home Mover’s Report’ tells us that 61% of people find moving home more stressful than divorce or starting a new job. Psychologists suggest that moving house stress stems from the uncertainty and fear of the unknown, coupled with the significant upheaval that a move brings to our daily routines.

Strategies for managing your home move

Acceptance

The first step in dealing with moving home stress is acceptance. Acknowledging stress as a natural response to change allows us to manage it better. Mind, a mental health charity in the UK, notes that acceptance of stress is important to managing it effectively.

Planning

Planning plays a pivotal role in dealing with moving house stress. A detailed plan, including timeline and costs, will help you get organised, making tasks less overwhelming.

Delegation

You don’t have to do it all yourself! Sharing tasks among family, friends, or hiring professional removal companies can alleviate the burden. While it might cost extra, using professional services can be a valuable stress-reliever.

Self-Care

During the chaos of packing boxes and organising utilities, remember to care for yourself. That includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, ample sleep, and taking breaks during moving tasks. It may sound clichéd, but laughter genuinely can help reduce stress—so keep an upbeat playlist on in the background while you’re packing or dealing with other moving tasks.

Families with Children

Moving house stress varies depending on your situation. Families with children often face the added challenge of managing their own stress while ensuring that the children’s routine remains as stable as possible. In such cases, discussing the move openly with children helps, as well as involving them in relevant tasks like packing their toys.

Singles and Young People

Young adults and singles, many embarking on their first independent moves, also experience unique stressors. The lack of experience and sometimes limited resources can add to this stress. However, it’s important to remember the opportunity for growth and resilience-building.

Seniors

For elderly people, moving may involve downsizing or moving to retirement communities. A study by Age UK revealed that one in three over-60s say moving gets harder as you age. Emotional support from loved ones and a focus on the positive aspects of the move can be immensely beneficial for this demographic.

Remember, most stress associated with moving is temporary and will subside once you are in your new home. Even though it seems challenging, buying a new property in Brecon and moving home is also a chance to declutter, and an opportunity to start afresh.

With careful planning, acceptance, indulgence in self-care, and seeking out help when needed, dealing with moving house stress can be managed effectively, preserving and maintaining your wellbeing. Happy moving!

Please view our latest Property Post Issue below

Did you know that Powys County Council Planning Department are currently reviewing its Local Development Plan? Landowners are being encouraged to submit any land which may be suitable for development to the Council for consideration. These sites will then be assessed as to their suitability, and if successful, will be allocated for development as part of the replacement Local Development Plan. Suitable sites will typically be agricultural or brownfield land within or on the edge of settlements such as the site illustrated below.

If you own land which you think might be suitable, then please get in touch with your local office, or our team to discuss your requirements further, who will be on hand to offer their specialist advice and guide you through the process of submitting your sites to the Council for assessment:

Geraint: geraint.jones@mccartneys.co.uk | 01686 62313 / 07875 222 835

Lewis: lewis.price@mccartneys.co.uk | 01874 610990

Rhys: rhys.evans@mccartneys.co.uk | 01938 531000

Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, will not, or at least should not, be a new concept to anybody who has been involved in a property transaction in the last 15 years. They were initially introduced in 2007 and have been a legal requirement to accompany property being offered to the market, for sale or let, since January 2012. An EPC grades a property on its energy efficiency, from A-G, with an A rating being best and is usually accompanied by a recommendation report, detailing how the efficiency of the property could be improved. Since their introduction, this rating had a limited impact on a transaction, or at least it didn’t, until the rules changed.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced in March 2015 and adopted in April 2018. They set out to alter the way in which property, both commercial and residential, can be let, in a bid to improve the energy efficiency of existing property stock within England and Wales. This required any newly let property to have a minimum EPC rating of E, but tightened in April 2020 to include property with an existing tenancy, which is now also required to have the same. Whilst this initially only applied to the residential sector, as of April 2023, the commercial sector will also be required to conform.

It is also worth noting that the Government intend to increase this requirement yet further, stating that all non-domestic buildings should achieve a rating of B by 2030, which is a substantial increase from the current benchmark. They have also proposed the potential to have an interim milestone rating of C by 2027.

Although there are some exemptions to this, a large number of properties are likely to be affected and the responsibility for ensuring a property meets these new requirements falls on the shoulders of the Landlord. There are penalties are in place for non-compliance, which currently carry a maximum fine of £150,000 and some potentially rather large stumbling blocks, some of which are as follows:

First and foremost, the biggest issue could be one simply of cost. Whilst a cap of £3,500 (including VAT) is in place for improvements to residential premises, one is not currently in place for commercial. As a result, Landlords could be forced to spend substantial sums in order to achieve the magic E rating, without being able to recover costs from their tenant or see an increase in rent to reflect the improvements for some time. For those Landlords who simply don’t have funds in place to carry out the works, obtaining financing could also be difficult, particularly when coupled with the current economic climate.

Secondly, depending on the terms of the lease, the Landlord may not actually have the legal ability to enter the property in order to carry out the works. Whilst one would assume that most tenants will appreciate the circumstances, recognise the benefit to reduced running costs and provide access/accept some impact to their business, some may not. For instance, if the premises are used by vulnerable adults/children, provide medical care, contain a specialist or high-end fit-out, or store hazardous materials, the cost of relocating, removing or re-instating a feature could be costly and the tenant be within their rights to refuse access. This could result in legal recourse and give rise to larger issues/costs, as well as potentially damaging the relationship between tenant and landlord.

Finally, there is the potential for a knock-on impact on the value of the asset. It may be found that values of commercial premises with F or G EPC ratings, which are subject to requiring MEES compliant EPCs drop, particularly if the cost of works to improve the rating are high. This could, in turn, result in financial issues for matters such as accounts, pension fund capital or against secured lending.

Despite this, there are steps that can be taken, either through effective project management and cost sourcing, professional reporting and/or other strategic management. McCartneys have a range of professional and specialist members of staff who could be able to assist you, so, if you have any concerns surrounding this matter, please contact your local office and the most appropriate person will be in touch. Alternately, the Government have released guidance for landlords, which can be found on the gov.uk website.

Andrew Parker Andrew.parker@mccartneys.co.uk 01544 230 316 (3) / 07534 687 170