July brought another packed out auction room for Venmore Auctions. We held our auction on 19 July 2012 within Liverpool Town Hall’s Council Chambers. With 50 lots on offer, the Venmore Team generated receipts of over &2.2 million.

As the final gavel went down, we confirmed a sale percentage of 72% of the properties on offer, selling 11 lots prior, and with 23 properties selling under the hammer, proving that this was, by far, the firm’s busiest auction since 2007. Thats not to mention the post auction activity which should see the sales percentage reach into the mid 80's.

With this in mind we're eager to kick on with our September auction as there is evidence that spending in the Merseyside market is continuing to grow throughout 2012 and now is the time for landlords/vendors to capitalise on those cash rich buyers before their pockets run empty.

For this reason we're offering the first 25 entries into our September 13th Auction a half price entry fee. The price is now only &100 + VAT. To order your 100% free auction appraisal just click on the link below and send in your request and one of our Auction Team will be in touch shortly afterwards, or alternatively you can call direct on 0151 236 6746. Terms & conditions apply.

The auction will be held at  LIVERPOOL TOWN HALL, DALE STREET, LIVERPOOL, L2 2SH and will commence at 1pm.

Light refreshments were served as investors got the chance to speak to Venmore staff and hear from speakers including bridging finance specialists, mortgage market experts and the Head of Venmores Auction house.

Andy Neville, Director of BFL Mortgage Services Ltd was a speaker at the event.  A highly experienced mortgage advisor and a landlord investor himself, Andy discussed stratergies to maximise returns of investment property and guidance on how to build a portfolio.

Geoff Guest, Director of Venmore Auctions also discussed how investors can get the best results from both buying and selling at auction.

If you would like any further details or advice on investment opportunities then please contact Nadine Edwards on 0151 733 9000 or email nadine.bflmortgages@hotmail.co.uk.

How wonderful it is to be British, with the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee and the thrilling feeling watching Team GB standing proud on their podiums, collecting their medals. You would have thought that the eyes of the country would be turned one way, well I can let you into a little secret - the property market is holding its own and there are new buyers coming out of the woodwork. Maybe it’s the feel good factor bringing them into the market.

The bank has, at least for people looking at selling and buying, kept the interest rates at the same level and we hear that lending is becoming easier so we are all starting to feel the benefits of that.

Estate Agents are reporting that houses are coming onto the market and selling in a number of days. This can be down to a number of things, however after the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years it might be that they are embracing ‘the 6P s’ -  Perfect Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Here at the Venmore Group, we certainly subscribe to this theory and I think our successful summer months reflect that – in spite of Olympic fever! Maybe Team GB also stands by this theory…let’s hope so. Then we can all go for gold!

Local Hot Spot: 

Occupying an elevated positon towards the East side of the Wirral Peninsula - Oxton is a busy urban village with Conservation Status. Many of the handsome Victorian and Georgian properties were built for rich shipping merchants who could watch their merchandise work it's way down the Mersey. Now the village has a laid back, informal, bohemian feel - this is never more apparent than during "Oxton Secret Gardens" which is a well known annual event. Oxton is ideally placed for access to Birkenhead and Prenton with easy links via train to Liverpool and Chester and within easy reach of the M53 for the wider commute.

Local amenities:

There is a wide choice of schooling in the area including private and public schools, academys and colleges. Oxton Village itself offers a good selection of local shops including excellent butchers and green grocers. Larger shops, supermarkets and chains are available in Prenton and Birkenhead and Liverpool One is only a couple of train stops away. There are also a couple of well respected Golf Clubs in the area including Wirral Ladies and Prenton Golf Course - the home of Tranmere Rovers football team "Prenton Park" is also close at hand!

Wining and Dining:

The choice really is endless with various coffee shops, pubs, wine bars, eateries and even a Michelin award winning restaurant "Fraiche"! There are "Home" and "The Courtyard" for a lazy breakfast or morning coffee, "Oxton Bar and Grill" for lunch or a few well deserved drinks after work, "Halligans" for a more formal dinner date or if you just fancy a couple of casual drinks there are numerous pubs including "The Shrew" or "The Queens".

                                                            Local Hot Spot: Aigburth

Local amenities: It is within close proximity to local schools and surrounded by a variety of shops, and with public transport links throughout the area, commutes into and around the city centre are quick and easy. 

Wining and Dining:Lark Lane, between Aigburth Road & Sefon Park, is famous for its cafes, bars, boutiques, music venues and bistros. The area consists of a range of highly respected restaurants, some of these include Pablo's Restaurant and Bar, Icon Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar both with glowing reviews.  

Hot Property: Crofton Estate, North Sudley Road, Liverpool, L17

Absolutely stunning duplex apartments available to rent within this Victorian mansion. Internal accommodation comprises, entrance hall with alarm system, large storage cupboards, large lounge with either balcony or full length windows overlooking gardens, fully fitted high specification kitchen with full range of appliances, large double bedrooms, master suite with dressing area and bathroom.

With a myriad of fittings and conveniences including Hakker imported kitchens, Italian porcelain tiling, 24hr security protection and remote access visibility to each resident.  Combined with the impressive restoration of the main entrance with its glass dome and polished porcelain tiling this development of 11 apartments is possibly the most exclusive and desirable in the city.

Offering unrivalled security and seclusion and set in 2.5 acres, the estate will provide exclusive stylish living for the discerning resident.

For further details contact Hayley Davies on 0151 734 6890.

Name? - Stacey Whitham

Time Worked at Ball & Percival? - 2 Years

Favourite Southport Bar/Restaurant? - The Office Restaurant

Top Tune? - Always stay too long by Plan B

Favourite TV Programme? - The Only Way is Essex!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting Fact about you? - I teach Ballroom & Latin Dancing 

On reflection there was a lot of positive soundings from these meetings with Ged Fitzgerald the Chief Executive of Liverpool Council, Joe Anderson the New Mayor of Liverpool and Max Steinberg the Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision.

The first meeting with Gerald kicked off with the challenges facing the Local authority’s due to the cut back in funding from Central Governments, his mission was to cut staff by 1400 without compulsory redundancies and natural wastage.

There is also a newer business friendly culture within the Municipal Buildings which is now more creative, dynamic and efficient than in previous years.

The next meeting was with the Mayor Anderson and Max Steinberg where they outlined a ten year investment strategy for the cities economic climb. Not with standing the current economic climate the momentum of growth that has seen Liverpool physically transformed in the last decade has to be built upon.  Once again we heard a civic leader expressing his determination to deliver major schemes quickly and get his officials help out with the red tape.

A metro major would be preferable to a City Major but in the absence the City will deal with the best option. He is pleased with the attraction of the new Liverpool Liner Terminal, the onward investment in the Liverpool waters scheme.  There is also a new “Market Liverpool” which will be in place by September with the job of promoting the Liverpool brand.  This has sometimes been hindered by neighbouring authorities who still find it difficulty to accept Liverpool is a global brand and not Merseyside.

The investment continues with the new conference centres to be built next to the arena, the liner terminal, the North Dock developments by Peel Investments, and many other initiatives.  Inward investments and developments are making this city an attractive place to live and for investment.

So the future looks bright.

16 Trevor Road, Ainsdale     &259,950

* Four Bedroom Semi-Detached House
* Extended & Modernised
* Garage, Off Street Parking & Gardens
* Double Glazed & Gas Central Heating
* Popular Residential Location 

For full details and photgraphs click here
  

 5 Ferryside Lane, Southport     &174,950

* Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Property
* Lounge, Dining Room and Ground Floor Shower Room
* Central Heating and Double Glazing
* Pleasant Gardens to the Front and Rear
* Garage and Off Street Parking for Multiple Vehicles  

For full details and photgraphs click here

1 Percival Court, Southport     &77,500

* Purpose Built Retirement Apartment
* Positioned on the Ground Floor
* One Bedroom, Lounge, Kitchen, Bathroom
* Electric Heating and Double Glazing
* Residents Communal Lounge 

For full details and photgraphs click here
 

54 Roe Lane, Southport     &224,950

* Four Bedroom Semi-Detached House
* Lounge, Rear Lounge, Dining Kitchen and Cloaks/WC
* Central Heating and Double Glazing Throughout
* Established gardens to the front and rear
* Off street parking for several vehicles 

 For full details and photgraphs click here

68 Motherwell Crescent, Southport     &179,950

* Three Bedroom Detached House
* Off Street Parking & Garage
* Gardens Front & Rear
* Convenient For Local Amenities
* Schools & Hospital Nearby

For full details and photgraphs click here

In the last few months we have seen an increase in fantastic products available for first time buyers with JUST a 10% deposit!

I have been working with first time buyers over the last few months who are surprised at how affordable it is for them to buy their first home.  Lenders are offering incentives, such as free surveys, to help them with their upfront costs  and cash backs towards their legal fees, it’s becoming much easier to make the step towards buying their first home. 

As a whole of market Mortgage Broker I have access to products not available directly through banks or building societies.  These are fantastic exclusive products only available through me.  With the lenders offering more and more competitive products over the last few weeks, call me to book an appointment on 07798 882 856.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.