It came as no surprise to switched on Brighton Property Search Agents that Caroline Lucas won the Pavilion seat in Brighton at the general election in 2010 and became the first Green Party Member of Parliament. This success was further underlined at the recent local elections where the Green party gained an overall majority of councillors. So how does this affect the quality of life and property in the City?

In 2008 Brighton and Hove Council opted into the Sustainable Communities Act, which enabled the local authority to adopt an environmental strategy as part of its core policy. Citizens of Brighton and the local council have already implemented some strategies; increased energy efficiency measures in all planning applications for private and public housing; the Council has already achieved an enhanced environmental management system; there are training plans in place to educate Council tenants in energy efficiency. The Big Lemon bus burning used cooking oil as fuel has been running between the city centre and the universities for several years in certain parts of the city. THere is a 20mph traffic limit to cut both carbon emissions and accidents. In addition the Council has set challenging carbon reduction targets for public transport, increased cycle lanes and installed charging points in the centre of the city for electric vehicles. The people of Brighton are forward looking in aspiration and deeds and strive to make Brighton a beacon of sustainable living. We are doing our bit at Manse & Garret Property Search in London, with the use of electric cars and we are looking to roll out the scheme to our Brighton Property Search Agents.

I hear you say, ‘but this is very political and I am not a supporter of the Green Party’. However few people are uninterested in the future of the planet; Brighton will be a healthier place to live with fewer toxic traffic fumes and prudent planning with ensure that the City is ahead in the race for sustainability. It is also a place where people’s opinions count and opportunities are aplenty for involvement in city matters, from gardening in the city parks to sharing one’s experience in almost any field from healthy eating, health walks and tourism, which is why Brighton’s premier property search agents have so many clients interested in relocating to this great city.

Come and see for yourself; the range of houses will not disappoint you or your budget and if you need any assistance – Manse & Garret Property Search will be delighted to help.

Technorati Tags: Brighton, Brighton Property, Brighton Property Search Agents, Electric Vehicles, Green Party, Manse & Garret, Planning, Sustainability

Tags: Brighton, Brighton Property, Brighton Property Search Agents, Electric Vehicles, Green Party, Manse & Garret, Planning, Sustainability

Musings of a Brighton Property Finder

Undoubtedly there are still fluctuations in the housing market and it is likely that these fluctuations will continue early into 2010.  The British Bankers Association spokesman, Derek Dooks,  reported a net lending increase in April although not as vigorous as in March.  He believes that  mortgage lending  has stabilised slightly.  Howard Archer from IHS Global Insight holds a similar view that €˜housing market activity has very likely passed its worst point€™ but predicts a €˜gradual€™ and €˜fitful€™ pick-up due to the €˜very poor economic fundamentals and still tight credit conditions.€™

So where does that leave us?  We, Property Finders, believe that there are good opportunities for all groups of buyers.  Most estate agents are advising their clients that, if they really want to sell their house, they may well need to accept offers.  This is borne out by comparing prices achieved with asking prices.  Our expertise and knowledge of the London market is a good starting point for buyers, as our interest is in achieving the most realistic price for our clients.  We also pride ourselves on our negotiating skills, agreeing deals based on up-to-date knowledge of the market.  One advantage of tighter mortgage lending controls is that, if a buyer has confirmed his/her mortgage or other borrowing arrangements before they actively start their search for a property, then they will be in a very strong position indeed.   Our experience with vendors confirms our belief that they will accept a prudent offer more easily, if it is accompanied by a proposed exchange and completion date and the buyer can demonstrate willingness to proceed e.g by getting the survey done PDQ and of course the magic words €˜cash buyer€™ spark real interest.

Our firm advice is that it is a good time to buy €“ so whether you€™re looking for a new home or simply a buy-to-let investment with a good yield €“ you know the Brighton Property Finders in the know!

Technorati Tags: Brighton Property, Brighton Property Finders

Tags: Brighton Property, Brighton Property Finders