Boultons

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Improving your outside space with an outbuilding

Outbuilding may greatly improve your house in a number of ways, providing advantages that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and economical

Extra Space and Functionality
The extra room that an outbuilding offers is one of its main benefits. This space may be used for a variety of things, such as a workshop, guest room, gym, or even a kid's play area. An outbuilding's adaptability allows you to customise it to your exact requirements, creating more room inside your primary residence and minimising clutter.

Property Value
You may raise the value of your home by adding an outbuilding. Because they offer useful space without requiring extensive modifications, outbuildings are frequently viewed as desirable features by potential purchasers. Outbuildings that are well-built and planned, particularly those that have utilities, may greatly increase the market value and charm of your house.

Aesthetic Appeal
A well-planned outbuilding may improve your property's aesthetic appeal. It may be designed to blend in with your main house, giving your garden a more polished appearance. You may also plant around an outbuilding to enhance the aesthetic appeal and practicality of your outdoor area.

Work-Life Balance
An outbuilding can offer a distinct workstation away from the primary living rooms, as more individuals choose to work from home. By defining boundaries between work and home life, cutting down on distractions, and boosting productivity, this separation can aid in improving work-life balance.

Sustainability and Innovation
Energy-efficient designs and ecological materials may be used to construct modern outbuildings. Your outbuilding may be a green addition to your house with solar panels, insulation, and environmentally friendly building materials, which will reduce energy expenses and your carbon footprint.

Good news for landlords!

In the UK, the average rent for new rentals is £1,226 following a 6.6% increase in the previous year.

High Rental Demand
There is still a considerable demand for rental properties. Experts estimate that as long as rental demand exceeds availability, national rents will rise by 5-6% in the coming months, with significantly greater growth expected in large cities.

Government Support for Low-Income Tenants
The Local Housing Allowance will rise to compensate the lowest 30% of local rentals; this will result in an average annual increase of £800 for 1.6 million people. By lowering the possibility of renters going into arrears, this assistance helps guarantee more steady rental revenue for landlords.

Legislative Developments
The Renters Reform Bill aims to do away with Section 21 evictions, however its ex*****on has been postponed until the legal system has undergone adequate reforms. Landlords now have more time to get used to the impending changes.

Stamp Duty Changes
The 2022 reduced stamp duty rates are scheduled to expire in March 2025. The end of 2024 may see a spike in real estate transactions as a result, which would be advantageous for landlords wishing to purchase or sell before rates go up.

Potential Relief in Mortgage Costs
Predictions indicate that interest rates may fall this summer, providing some financial relief for landlords with variable-rate mortgages.

Abolition of Lifetime Allowance
Landlords may now invest more in real estate without having to worry about paying harsh taxes on their pension funds due to the elimination of the pension lifetime allowance. Landlords are encouraged by this shift to invest in real estate with greater freedom using their pension money.

CALL US TODAY IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CONVERSATION ABOUT ANYTHING MORTGAGE OR PROPERTY-RELATED

England secures first win in first game of Euro 2024

England beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening Euro 2024 game last night in Germany

It was England's number 10 who scored the only goal of the game in the 14th minute, Jude Bellingham, from a glorious header from a striking cross into the box from Bukayo Saka. Three points secured after their first game means England currently tops group C, after Denmark and Slovenia drew their opening game.

The first half was full of energy from both sides, but the second 45 minutes saw a decidedly sloppy display of football, with England deciding to fall back into a more defensive mode to protect their lead.

England captain Harry Kane said after the game: "We knew it was going to be a tough game, Serbia pose a lot of threats and have some good players. They will make it a battle for you and I think we dealt with it really well. There was a spell in the second half where we got camped in our box and we found it hard to get out but it was an important win tonight."

England’s next game is against Denmark on Thursday at 17:00, which you can watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Next year will see big rise in house prices

According to experts, house prices are expected to grow by 6.3% by the end of 2025

UK property prices have decreased in recent months. According to collated data, the average price of a property sold in August 2023 was £285,862, but it continued to decline each month until February 2024, when it was just £280,673. According to current statistics, housing prices will actually climb by around 2.5% by December 2024, defying early projections that they would decrease dramatically by the end of this year.

The average house price has been climbing rapidly since early 2024 and reached £261,962 in April, the most current month for which data is available. Since June 2023, this is the highest point reached for house prices. Experts predict that by the same period next year, typical home prices will have risen by 3.6% to £292,838. Moreover, this remarkable rise is anticipated to last until the end of the following year, at which point it will have increased by 6.3% from today to an average of £300,559.

Though it may be argued that many industry voices have been far too eager to portray bad pictures while the economic future has been uncertain, the recent doom and gloom surrounding the UK property market has not been unfounded. Property in the UK has often shown itself to be impervious to outside influences; although values may temporarily decline, they almost always rise fast.

Because of this, investing in property is so prudent and logical compared to other, more erratic investments that are far more susceptible to swings in value in response to alleged socioeconomic factors. As such, property remains by far one of the most sound and sensible investments you can make.

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England face off against Serbia tonight in their first official Euro match

The game takes place on Sunday evening at 20:00GMT (21:00 in Germany) in the city of Gelsenkirchen. With thousands of England fans having made it overseas to see the game live, spirits are high in the country today.

England’s last Euro campaign took them to the final three years ago, only to lose to Italy on penalties.

Following their disappointing 1-0 loss in their friendly with Iceland last week, England manager Gareth Southgate fully understands the gravitas of these early games, claiming that his side will need to play exceptional football against Serbia if they have any chance of getting off to a promising start in this year’s campaign. As such, the team were training hard at their base camp yesterday in preparation for tonight.

Southgate has said: “There are a lot of good teams in this tournament. We have to be exceptional to progress through the group and the opportunity to go further. I am hugely excited - to lead our country into a major tournament is an amazing honour, a great privilege."

England captain Harry Kane has said: "I think every tournament possesses different expectations. We have earned the right to be classed among the favourites."

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June 2024 Films and live shows near Huddersfield

The show must go on, and there’s plenty of them to choose from in your local area

We all need entertainment in our lives from time to time, and there is plenty of it out there to provide us with just that, and that includes the theatre and live shows. Shows and films are a great way to bring families and couples together, so here are our top picks of cinema and live shows for you to visit in your local area in the near future.

FILM: Inside Out 2
By all accounts, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have been operating with great success. But they are unsure of how to feel when anxiety appears.
UK release date: 14th June
Address of your local cinema: Bradley Mills Road, Huddersfield. HD1 6PG
https://bit.ly/48Q9dCg

SHOW: The Windrush Warriors
From the Lawrence Batley Theatre website:
The Windrush Warriors, a gentle comedy with a serious message, is an affectionate story about people in the autumn of their lives.
Date: Tue 18 June 2024 - Fri 21 Jun 2024
Location: The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield HD1 2SP
https://bit.ly/3VKoXTq

Utilizing National Fudge Day to create the BEST edible Fathers Day gifts

For Father's Day, fudge is a lovely and personalised gift that offers a pleasant way to express your gratitude

Flavoured Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge: White chocolate and creamy peanut butter combine to make a smooth, delicious dessert. For an even more decadent touch, top with a layer of chocolate ganache.
Mint Chocolate Fudge: For a cool variation, add crushed peppermint candies or mint chocolate chips to your fudge after infusing it with peppermint flavour.

Gourmet Fudge Variations
Salted Caramel Fudge: Stir in some homemade salted caramel for a handmade twist on your fudge. For the ideal harmony of sweet and salty, top with flakes of sea salt.
Espresso Fudge: To make your fudge mixture extra thick and coffee-flavoured, add some instant espresso powder. For fathers who adore coffee, this is ideal.
Maple Walnut Fudge: To make your fudge nuttier and more delicious, add chopped walnuts to the mixture after sweetening it with pure maple syrup.

Themed Fudge Ideas
Beer-Infused Fudge: Pour some beer into your fudge for dads that appreciate a nice drink. To give the chocolate fudge foundation more depth and complexity, use a stout or porter.
Bourbon Fudge: Add a little bourbon to your recipe for fudge. The flavour is deep and smoky, and it goes very well with dark chocolate.

Personalized Fudge
Custom Shapes and Designs: Shape your fudge into amusing, customised patterns like tools, sporting goods, or other things that represent your dad's interests by using silicone moulds.
Message Fudge: Write a personalised message on the fudge pieces using edible markers or alphabet cookie cutters. "Best Dad Ever" or "Happy Father's Day" might give a sentimental touch.

Picking the right exotic plants for your conservatory

Adorning your conservatory with exotic plants can create a lush, vibrant atmosphere for all. Here are some diverse examples of exotic plants you can consider

Flowering Plants
Orchids (Orchidaceae): Orchids, which are prized for their exquisite and varied blossoms, are found in many forms and colours, such as Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, and Dendrobium.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): This plant offers a touch of the tropics with its eye-catching vivid orange and blue, bird-like blossoms.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): Hibiscus stands out in any conservatory thanks to its large, vibrant blooms that come in hues of red, pink, yellow, and white.

Foliage Plants
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): This plant, which is well-known for its big, glossy leaves, offers a striking architectural feature.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa): Monstera, renowned for its enormous, split leaves, exudes a sense of the jungle and is comparatively low maintenance.
Calathea (Calathea spp.): Calathea adds elegance with its variegated tones of pink, purple, and green in its attractively patterned leaves.

Succulents and Cacti
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe Vera is not only beautiful, but it also has therapeutic qualities.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.): These easily maintained, rosette-forming succulents are available in a variety of colours.
Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii): This cactus creates an intriguing textural contrast with its rounded, spiky appearance.

Carnivorous Plants
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): This plant, which resembles jaws, is a marvel to observe.
Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes spp.): Because of its unusual pitcher-shaped, insect-catching leaves, it provides an interesting and useful aspect.

Epiphytes
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae): These eye-catching plants, which are frequently set on wood or rocks, can thrive in very little soil and frequently produce vivid, long-lasting blossoms.
Tillandsia (Tillandsia spp.): Often referred to as air plants, they are adaptable and simple to exhibit since they can grow without soil.

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Improving your conservatory with exotic plants

The visual and practical appeal of your conservatory may be greatly improved by adding exotic plants

Aesthetic Enhancement
Visual Appeal: Exotic plants may transform an average conservatory into a breathtaking visual paradise by adding vivid colours, unusual forms, and distinctive textures.
Theme Creation: Exotic plants may be used to create themed spaces, such as a desert landscape or a tropical oasis. The conservatory may become a unique spot to unwind and take in the scenery thanks to this theming, which can offer a unified and immersive experience.
Seasonal Interest: In contrast to native flora, many exotic plants have distinct flowering seasons and growth cycles. By doing this, you can make sure that the colours and forms in your conservatory change with the seasons, adding interest all year round.

Environmental Benefits
Air Quality: By absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, exotic plants can enhance the quality of the air. Because of their well-known ability to cleanse the air, plants like bamboo palms and peace lilies may help create a healthier atmosphere indoors.
Humidity Control: Since many exotic plants are adapted to humid climates, they can assist in controlling the humidity in your conservatory. In arid locations or during the winter, when indoor air tends to be dry, this can be very helpful.
Microclimate Creation: You may create microclimates in your conservatory with the aid of exotic plants. For instance, although smaller, moisture-loving plants might flourish in the protected, damp environment beneath bigger plants, the latter can also offer shade and cooler places.

Personal Well-Being
Stress Reduction: It has been demonstrated that the presence of greenery, especially exotic and lush flora, may improve mood and lower stress levels. Exotic plants' distinctive and colourful characteristics can enhance these advantages and create a calm and pleasant environment.

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Landlords: new investments in rental homes would accommodate high demand

The UK average rent is £1,226, whereas in London it’s £2,122

Over the course of the last 12 months, rental demand has eased somewhat. Having said that, there is still an average of 15 candidates per every home for rent. This is more than double the average of six people, which was the number before the pandemic hit. Over the last year supply has grown by almost a fifth, but there are still a third fewer homes for rent compared to before the pandemic, and this is due to low levels of new investment in rented homes.

There has been an unmistakable annual rate of growth in rents, and average earnings are narrowing overall. Unaffordability is still an issue, and it’s an issue driven largely by a lack of supply in the rental market. Although the majority of landlords have remained firm in their place amidst a fluctuating market, there has been a lack of new investment in rental homes resulting in a lack of supply to meet the still-high demand of renters.

Rent rates continue to grow quicker than average salaries. However, compared to 12 months ago the gap is much narrower. Rental demand is still currently rising head and shoulders above available supply, maintaining upward pressures on rents, but rental growth has certainly slowed in certain areas of the country.

Since 2016, the number of privately leased residences has remained constant, contributing to the three-year increase in rent. One of the future government's major housing initiatives should be to increase the availability of affordable and private rental properties. A more balanced housing market and economic growth depend on a robust private rental sector.

First-time buyers are promised mortgage guarantee by a Labour government

Labour, if elected, promises to ensure low-deposit mortgages are available for first-time buyers

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has said that he wants to revive the mortgage guarantee scheme, adding that he wants to "turn the dream of owning a home into a reality.” The government’s plan is to act as guarantor for part of a property loan, ultimately encouraging mortgage lenders to offer low-deposit deals. Starmer claims the scheme will help more than 80,000 young people mount the housing ladder over the course of the next five years.

Labour says that making the mortgage guarantee scheme permanent will mean young people facing challenging circumstances will no longer be ‘locked out’ of homeownership, otherwise referred to by Labour as ‘Freedom to Buy.’

The current programme enables lenders to buy a guarantee on a portion of mortgages, meaning that in the event that a bank chooses to seize a home, the government may pick up some of the costs. The Treasury created the plan to "increase the appetite of mortgage lenders for high loan-to-value lending,", resulting in buyers making lower deposits.

Borrowers will still be required to pass credit checks to show they can afford mortgage repayments, not just save funds for a deposit. Mortgage providers may only lend to those with a sufficient regular income, irrespective of any government guarantee.

These plans by the Labour Party were announced last Thursday evening, and the party also said that they aim to "reintroduce housing targets", fast-track planning permissions on brownfield land, and prioritise "grey belt" building, all of which could ultimately create 1.5 million more homes.

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🙌🏻 what a fantastic gesture for a wonderful cause ⭐️💙

From Monday 10 June, a week's takings from the Crossroads Shop will be donated to the new £6.8m Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds.

Donations can also be given at the shop or in sealed envelopes to the Crossroads Centre.

Thank you for your support,
Crossroads Volunteers

June 2024 Local family educational events near Huddersfield

Education is the kindly of a flame, not the filling of a vessel, so open your senses to some education events taking place in your local area in the coming weeks

Education is everything, especially to a young life, and it’s one of the few things in life that we cannot have too much of. More education the better, so why not add to your children’s positive development and attend such events in your local area in the coming weeks? We’ve found what we think are the best local family education-related events taking place in your local area in the not-too-distant future.

Adults Open Event
From Eventbrite:
Take control of your future and do something you enjoy. Visit our Adults Open Event on Thursday 27th June to discover how one of our courses could change your life.
Date and time:
Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:00 - 19:00 BST
Location:
Calderdale College, Francis Street Halifax HX1 3UZ
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adults-open-event-tickets-870950806307?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Module 1-Introduction to Intensive Interaction for Calderdale Professionals
From Eventbrite:
Calderdale SEND and Inclusion Service are hosting a one-day introduction to Intensive Interaction as face to face training at Kings Centre.
Date and time:
Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:00 - 15:30 BST
Location:
The Kings Centre, Park Road Halifax HX1 2TS
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/module-1-introduction-to-intensive-interaction-for-calderdale-professionals-tickets-881247774817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

How to prepare your garden for England EURO championship parties

A terrific way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and celebrate the Euros with friends and family is to have an England-themed garden party

Decorations
Use bunting, banners, and England flags to adorn your lawn and make it seem celebratory.
Arrange tables with disposable plates, napkins, and tablecloths that have football themes and represent the England team's colours.

Football-Inspired Setup
Set up lounging places with bean bags, picnic blankets, or cosy outdoor furniture so that guests can unwind and enjoy the celebration.
For spontaneous sports and activities, set up inflatable footballs or little football goals.

Big Screen Viewing
Watch the England matches live in the garden by setting up a big screen or projector.
Establish a special spot for spectators to congregate and support the team, complete with chairs and blankets.

Themed Food and Drinks
Serve a menu with traditional English fare like meat pies, sausage buns and fish & chips.
Serve football-shaped sandwiches, sliders, and miniature hot dogs as football-themed appetisers.
Offer a range of drinks, such as cider, beer, and non-alcoholic choices including iced tea and fruit punch.

England Flag Cake
Make an eye-catching England flag cake to serve as the dessert table's highlight.
Use icing coloured like the England flag to decorate the cake, then garnish it with football-themed decorations such as players or edible footballs.

Team Spirit
To express their support and foster a sense of unity among the players, invite visitors to wear football jerseys or the colours of the England team.
Give visitors temporary tattoos, face stickers, or caps in the England team's colours to wear throughout the celebration.

Football Trivia
Use a game or trivia quiz to see how much your visitors know about the history of English football.
Prepare a list of questions to pose to your visitors on previous competitions, special occasions, and well-known athletes.

Choosing the right kitchen island for you

Kitchen islands come in various styles and configurations, each designed to suit different needs and preferences

Built-In Kitchen Islands
Permanent Fixture: These islands are more robust when installed as a fixed component of the kitchen and may be tailored to match the style of the room.
Custom Features: Among their many functionalities are dishwashers, cooktops, and sinks.

Breakfast Bar Islands
Seating Area: Created with a sloping design to fit stools, creating a relaxed dining space.
Social Hub: Excellent for entertaining and families, since it fosters communication between the host and visitors.

Multi-Level Islands
Varied Heights: Have distinct levels for different purposes, such as a lower surface for food preparation and a higher bar for dining.
Functionality: May divide the island's dining and cooking sections, giving it several uses.

Storage-Focused Islands
Cabinetry and Drawers: Mostly made with storage in mind, it has an abundance of shelves, drawers, and cabinets.
Organization: Allows for additional room for appliances, cookware, and utensils, which helps keep the kitchen neat.

Integrated Appliance Islands
Built-In Appliances: Make them the focal point of the kitchen for cleaning and cooking by including appliances like dishwashers, cooktops, wine coolers, and sinks.
Efficiency: Concentrating all of the culinary tasks in one place will improve workflow.

Butcher Block Islands
Wooden Top: Have a butcher block surface that's perfect for chopping and cooking.
Rustic Appeal: Adds a warm, traditional look to the kitchen.

Double Islands
Expansive Space: Consists of two distinct islands that are frequently utilised to give plenty of workstation and storage in big kitchens.
Multiple Functions: Cooking can take up one island, and the other can be used for eating or socialising.

Galley Islands
Narrow and Long: These islands offer a continuous workstation throughout the length of the kitchen, making them ideal for galley-style kitchens.
Efficient Use of Space: Suitable for small kitchens, providing utility without taking up too much room.

Our June magazine is out now! Tap or click the link below to check out the new edition and your very own digital copy!

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Improving your kitchen with a new island

A new kitchen island can significantly enhance the value of your home by offering both functional, aesthetic, and social benefits

Increased Functionality
Additional Workspace: Additional countertop space is much appreciated for tasks related to food preparation and cooking, and it is provided by a kitchen island.
Storage Solutions: A lot of kitchen islands include built-in shelves, drawers, or cabinets, which provide much-needed storage for kitchen necessities, clear up clutter, and improve kitchen organisation.
Multifunctionality: Islands may be used as a breakfast bar, a space for youngsters to complete their schoolwork, or a place for informal dining, and as such the kitchen becomes a more functional and focal point of the house.

Enhanced Social Space
Entertainment Hub: The social appeal of the kitchen is enhanced by the addition of a kitchen island, which provides a natural meeting place for family and friends. It makes entertaining guests more convenient and encourages participation during food preparation.
Open-Plan Living: Modern house designs favour open-plan layouts that smoothly integrate the kitchen with the living or dining spaces, which may be defined with the aid of an island.

Modern Aesthetic Appeal
Design Focal Point: A chic kitchen island may draw attention to itself and improve the room's overall design. An island may greatly improve the visual attractiveness of the kitchen, regardless of whether it has a clean, modern design or a traditional, rustic appearance.
Customization Options: A kitchen island may be tailored to complement the current décor thanks to the large selection of materials, colours, and finishes available, which improves the kitchen's unified design.

Potential for Increased Property Value
Homes' kitchens are frequently their best selling points, and a well-designed kitchen island may increase the appeal of the house to prospective purchasers. Given that it combines luxury with functionality, it may play a significant role in a buyer's decision-making process.

Rent rates at highest point since October

Rent rates are now 6.4% higher year-on-year

Rents rose last month to reach a new seven-month high, with the average rent in England now costing £1,183pcm. This is 1.4% higher than that of April, which saw the average rent cost being £1,166. October 2023 saw rents on new tenancies costing an average of £1,190pcm, and last month marked the highest point in rent rates since then, which may indicate that rents are heading into a summer upswing.

The average amount of time a property stays vacant in between tenancies is currently 11% higher than this point in 2023, when it stood at a 19 day average. Last month, the average salary of someone looking to rent was £37,095, which was an increase of 0.8% from the month prior. 33 was the average age of a renter in England last month.

The recent data indicates the beginning of likely price increases for the summer. Rents typically peak in the upcoming summer months, due to it also generally being the busiest time of year for the rental market. So far this year, annual rent increases have been rather stable, often remaining between +6-7%. In the summer of last year, rental averages crossed the £1,350 monthly threshold for the first time, and this has implications that in a few months’ time, we may see our first rental average of £1,400, or even more if this 6-7% annual tendency holds true. The latest numbers show some indications of reducing pressures, even if rents are still higher than incomes and inflation.