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The housing market has seen a surge in activity recently, with demand far outstripping supply. Much of this is attributed to the stamp duty holiday and a change in attitude as homeowners look to move to the countryside, driven by a change in lifestyle choice. However, as unemployment bears down on the economy, some owners are looking at ways of adding value to their existing homes. Despite recent government initiatives, moving house is still an expensive, stressful and uncertain business. It remains to be seen as to whether the market will continue to prosper or is short- lived from the pent-up demand and continued government assistance, which is set to taper into the autumn. An alternative to moving to a new house is to look to refurbish and improve, which can be managed while still occupying the home, albeit with some disruption. As Jason Frost of Bloomhall explains: “We are often engaged by clients wishing to improve while adding value to their house. This involves replacing the kitchen and bathrooms, through to structural changes by transforming houses to a more practical open-plan arrangement or adding volume by an extension or loft conversion.” Jason cites a recent example currently on the market with Cooke Curtis & Co in Toft. “Our client was looking to upgrade a rather dated chalet-style dwelling situated on a good plot. Much of the garden was positioned to the side of the plot and did not currently perform a function or add value and desirability. Bloomhall advised the client to undertake a full refurbishment of the main dwelling, reconfiguring the accommodation and offering flexibility likely to appeal to a young family or downsizer.” A planning application was undertaken to the side garden and permission obtained for an additional detached chalet-style dwelling, now in the course of construction. Contact Jason Frost at Bloomhall (01223 653183) for a free consultation or contact Cooke Curtis & Co (01223 508050) for details and properties in Toft
IMAGE Emerson Park in Great Abington
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