★★★★

featuring propertiesin Liverpool, Wirral,Sefton, West Lancsand the North West

Splitthebill

Takeadvantageof a newsharedequityscheme tobuy anapartmentin St Paul’sSquare –Page 3

MyFirstHomewithPetePrice

Pages8&9

Page4

BIGPROPERTYGUIDEEC

HO

Keepyourwinterplants lookingtheirbest

Landlords urgently required. Tenants waiting. 0151 207 5923 Free Inventory Checks until 31st Jan 2011

Mortgages Surveys Propertymanagement

AbroadAuctionsCommercialproperty

TO LET

Lettings

FOR SALE

Estate agencywww.suttonkersh.co.uk

PROPERTY Saturday, January 1, 20112 ★★★★

● BUILDERS are hopeful thatthe recent big freeze will

boost demand for energy-efficientnew homes as they battle to reducea backlog of unsold new propertiesbuilt up in the final quarter of2010.

These key points emerge in thelatest new homes index fromSmartNewHomes.com, which saysthe number of new homes on themarket “more than trebled”between September and November.

But any price cuts in theautumn were apparentlyshort-lived – for the survey saysthe average price of a new homerose from £212,000 in October to£220,600 in November.

Steve Lees, marketing directorof SmartNewHomes.com, says:“Many developers will have pricedaggressively in October to temptpotential buyers with thepossibility of moving in beforeChristmas.

“In November, however, thetimescale becomes too short andso those deals would have ended,nudging the average price of a newhome back to the level of therecent trend.

“We expect the gap betweenresale and new-build markets tonarrow over the coming months.”

Given the downbeat mood at theturn of 2009, the survey suggests2010 was much better thanexpected fornew home sales.

“Consumers are much moreaware of the benefits of buyingnew. The new homes marketconsistently performed ahead ofthe resale market in the secondhalf of the year and I expect thistrend to continue in 2011”, Mr Leesadds.

“With VAT going up to 20%, thecost of upgrading an olderproperty will increasesignificantly from January, andwith energy prices already risingsharply, the financial argument infavour of buying energy-efficientnew homes is growing stronger.”

● LENDERS are playing downfears that the housing market

could be significantly weakened in2011 by a marked rise inrepossessions – despite figures

showing that 180,000 householdsare expected to fall into arrearson their mortgage repaymentsnext year.

The Council of MortgageLenders (CML) says home sales,which peaked at 1.6 million a yearbefore the credit crunch, will fallto just 860,000 next year.

But the CML, which hascontinually revised downwards itsprediction for the number ofrepossessions in 2010 as the yearhas progressed, is confident 2011will not see a significant rise in thenumber of families losing theirhomes.

In 2010, says the CML,repossessions will total around36,000. It thinks the figure mightrise slightly, towards 40,000, in2011.

The body says: “Low interestrates will help the vast majority ofhouseholds to manage to keep upwith loan repayments and so willhelp to keep mortgage arrearsand possessions in check.”

Shelter chief executiveCampbell Robb says: “The CML

prediction reflects our realconcern that 2011 willundoubtedly be an extremelydifficult year for manyhomeowners.

“The combination of cuts tovital support for homeowners,along with predicted job lossesand increases in living costs, couldend up pushing thousands ofstruggling households over theedge and towards a spiral of debt,repossession and ultimatelyhomelessness.”

Shelter research suggests thenumber of households in rent ormortgage arrears has more thandoubled in the past year. Itsresearch also found that 3.7million households are strugglingto pay their rent or mortgage –almost double the figure recordedin October 2009.

● IF THE problems of the eurodeepen in 2011, could a

stronger pound encourage Britishbuyers back into overseasproperty markets which they quitin droves when the credit crunchhit in 2007?

That's the question forthousands of older Britons whohave virtually paid off themortgage on their home in the UK,and might enjoy a home overseasto enliven their retirement.

In theory, their money couldsoon stretch a bit further with theeuro apparently set for deepergloom.

Portugal and Spain arerumoured to be next in line forpossible multibillion bailouts, ifthe emergency fund set up by theEuropean Central Bank (ECB) islarge enough to cope.

Stuart Law at Assetz, theproperty investment firm, says: "Ifmoney is earning nothing in thebank, many people wonder howthey get some enjoyment out oftheir money.

"When the pound approaches1.20 euro, there's a pick-up ofinterest among potential buyers.We see a surge to 1.25 euro by thepound as possible in 2011, as euroworries continue."

Some overseas agents also thinka combination of soaring energybills, student riots, and a return ofstrikes on the Tube and railwayswill also focus attractions onhomes abroad.

PropertyNews Contents

Homeof theWeek20 Woodvale Road, West Derbyis on the market for £209,950

8-9

7

GUIDE ... tobuying

GOODNEWS:New homesales couldbe boostedby the VATrise

RETIREMENT DREAM: The weak euro and low interest at homecould make foreign property a good buy for older Brits

Flowerpower

4-5

How to care for your seasonalhouse plants

Interiors

Bargain buys to make yourhome look great

Saturday, January 1, 2011 PROPERTY 3★★★★

GUIDE ... tobuying

Speak to yourtenants

by JANET TANSLEY

Your chanceto shareandsharealike

WITH the recentcold snap and the MetOffice warning thatthe freezingtemperatures and iceare set to continuewell into the NewYear, Landlords needto keep tenantsprepared.

AntoniDmochowski,Lettings Manager atIndependent estateagent HomeLets &HomeSales knowsonly too well theproblems that canoccur.

“With so manypeople taking breaks,and combined withthe rush and stress ofthe Christmas andNew Year holidaystenants often forgetthe simplest oftasks”.

One of the mostimportant thingslandlords need toconsider as thetemperatures drop isto make sure theyhave informed theirtenants, whether itbe in an emptyproperty, or a tenantin occupation, thatthe heating is notturned off and is setno lower thanaround 12C.

“It is tempting toturn the heatingright down when aproperty is vacant,”says Antoni, who isbased on AllertonRoad, “Especiallywhen people arecutting costs atsuch anexpensive timeof year, and ofcourse to saveon gas andelectricitybills.

“However,the costinvolved fromfrozen and burstpipes is a muchhigher.

“Bycommunicatingeverything fully toyour tenants, inperson and inwriting, it allows thelandlord to be fully incontrol of theirproperty.

“We also advisethat you leave a fulllist of reliablecontacts includingemergency numbersfor plumbers andelectricians.”

Advice (forlandlords and homeowners too)● Be sure to writeto your tenantsexplaining thedangers of frozenpipes and whatprecautions theyshould take toprevent suchdamage.● Make sure thatyou lock all outsidedoors and windowsand set your burglaralarm.● Always makeyour home look asthough someone isliving in it, eg don'tclose your curtains.In daytime thisshows your house isempty. Also, useautomatictimer-switches toturn your lights andradios on when itgoes dark. You cando this even if youare just going out forthe evening.● If you normallyleave valuable

bicycles orsimilar

items inyourshed,thinkaboutputtingthem inthe

house.

AntoniDmochowski,lettingsmanager

CITY centre living has just gotmore affordable. If your NewYear’s Resolution was to treatyourself to an apartment in thecentre of Liverpool then you are

in luck – because St Paul’s Square decidedits New Year wish was to make it possible.

Homebuyers are being offered a secondchance to get their hands on an apartmentwith the launch today of a brand newshared equity scheme.

It means buyers have the chance topurchase one of the brand new apartmentsin the heart of the city’s commercialdistrict for 80% of the full purchase price.

The scheme is aimed at helpingindividuals, couples and families get on theproperty ladder by funding the remaining20% of the purchase price with a 10-year

interest free loan from the developer,secured against the property.

All that is required is a 5% deposit.The scheme takes potential buyers

through an affordability process, givingmortgage advice and helping to work outhow much they can afford, which isparticularly helpful to those worried abouttaking the leap and buying a property ontheir own.

Martyn Green, partner at King Sturge,says: “The scheme at St Paul’s Square is afantastic option for those who are havingtrouble collecting enough deposit to putdown on a city centre apartment.

“I think that it’s important to make itclear that, unlike shared ownership

schemes, shared equity allows the buyer toown 100% of their home from the day ofcompletion. It’s that simple.”

David Caught, marketing director atMuse Developments, adds: “We saw anamazing response to the Homebuy Directscheme last year, and hope to offer theshared equity scheme to everyone whomissed out.

“Buying through the shared equityscheme makes it more affordable for peopleto own their own home with just a 5%deposit of their own money.”

A two-bedroom apartment starts at£119,960, which is 80% of the open marketprice of £149, 950 under the shared equityscheme. For more information or torequest a viewing contact King Sturge on0151 242 6490.

PIECE OF THE ACTION: Inside the new apartments in St Paul's Square, on sale with a new shared equity scheme

CITY LIVING: St Paul’s Square

PROPERTY Saturday, January 1, 20114 ★★★★

Bargain looksGUIDE ... to interiors

MyFirstHOME

PetePriceWhere was the family home you grew upin and what was it like?

I grew up in West Kirby in a beautiful cottagecalled Vine Cottage in Darmens Green – wehad an acre of land and orchards. My dad wentbankrupt and after my parents separated wemoved to 5A Bridge Road, West Kirby, TheChandlers Shop. Too many memories to writeabout here ... and all featured in my book, PetePrice – Namedropper.

What is your clearest memory of thehouse?

The smell of the shop – firelighters, soappowder, Aunt Sally, paraffin and vinegar andsandpaper.

Where was the first house you boughtyourself and what did it cost?

The first home I bought was £8,000 and it wason the Wirral, where I have always stayed.

What made you want to buy it?

I just fell in love with it – it was one of theproperties that when you go and see it you justsay “this is for me”.

What are the important things you lookfor when buying a house?

Character and warmth, and it speaks to me: “Iwant you … buy me!”

Are you a DIY trier or do you leave it tothe experts?

Pass – I realised when I wired a coffee machineup the wrong way and it blew me across theroom it was time to leave it to theprofessionals.

What is the one thing you love mostabout your current home?

The view of Liverpool waterfront – everyday itchanges – it’s a piece of living art

BY JANET TANSLEY

● Pete Price is appearing in Aladdin atthe Empire Theatre, Liverpool, untiltomorrow.

byGABRIELLE FAGAN

With a little help athome, you can makeand stick to those NewYear’s resolutions. EveKelly, editor ofHomesAndBargains.co.uk, picksthe items that willstrengthen her resolve

GOODBYE 2010, hello2011. With a brandnew year comes thedaunting list ofresolutions. But no

matter how often you makethose vows, some are just toohard to keep.But help is at handin the shape of some greataffordable homeware.

Eve Kelly rounds up thoseitems which will help you keepyour New Year’s resolutionslonger than a few weeks.RESOLUTION: will makepacked lunches to take to workSOLUTION: Set of Storage Pots,£6.25 for 12 from North RockGallery. Visitwww.northrockgallery.co.uk orcall 01595 694 644RESOLUTION: I will notwaste energySOLUTION: Dog DraughtExcluder, £25 from Cath Kidston.

Visitwww.cathkidston.com or call08450 262 440RESOLUTION: I will notwaste food, I will makecompostSOLUTION: Kitchen CompostBin, £16.95 from Beth Stevens.Visit www.bethstevens.co.uk orcall 0844 888 9522RESOLUTION: I willde-clutter and tidySOLUTION: Set of TwoChalkboard Storage Boxes, £10from STORE. Visitwww.aplaceforeverything.co.uk orcall 0844 414 2885RESOLUTION: I will relax moreand de-stressSOLUTION: Set of Three Mini VotiveSpice Candles, £11.95 fromEthicalSuperstore.com. Visitwww.ethicalsuperstore.com or call0845 00 99 016RESOLUTION: I will become adomestic goddessSOLUTION: Kuhn Rikon Cookie &Cupcakes Icing Set, £14.99 fromLakeland. Visit www.lakeland.co.uk orcall 01539 488 100RESOLUTION: I will become aneco-warriorSOLUTION: Recycling Bag withCompartments, £4.95 fromDotcomgiftshop. Visit

www.dotcomgiftshop.com or call 0208746 2473RESOLUTION: I will grow myownSOLUTION: Windowsill Planter,£26.90 from Greenhouse Sensation.Visit www.greenhousesensation.co.ukor call 0845 602 3774RESOLUTION: I will not be latefor workSOLUTION: Rooster Alarm Clock,£18 from Aspace, Visitwww.aspace.co.uk or call 0845 8722400RESOLUTION: I will detox andtreat my body like a templeSOLUTION: Judge Juice Extractor£47.75. Call 0117 940 0000 forstockists

RESOLUTION: I will read morebooksSOLUTION: London SkylineBookends, £19 from Lifestylebazaar.Visit www.lifestylebazaar.com or call020 7739 9427RESOLUTION: I will not losemy keysSOLUTION: Multi-coloured KeyHolder, £24.99 from The GiftedPenguin. Visitwww.giftedpenguin.co.uk or call01642 763 000RESOLUTION: I will supportfair-trade productsSOLUTION: Purple Heart MemoBoard, £19 from Fairwind. Visitwww.fairwindonline.com or call 0845196 0256RESOLUTION: I will make teain a pot and not in the cupSOLUTION: True Romance Foot Teafor One, £25 from Laura Ashley. Visitwww.lauraashley.com or call 0871230 2301

RESOLUTION: I will be a cleanfiendSOLUTION: Candy Dust Pan andBrush, £10 from John Lewis. Visitwww.johnlewis.co.ukRESOLUTION: I will ditch themicrowave mealsSOLUTION: Three-piece ReadySteady Cook Aluminium SaucepanSet, £33 from Sainsbury’s. Visitwww.sainsburys.co.ukRESOLUTION: I will injectmore colour into my lifeSOLUTION: Ginka Double DuvetSet, £24 from Tesco. Visitwww.tesco.com or call 0845 6004411RESOLUTION: I will not eatdinner on my lapSOLUTION: Melltorp/Herman Tableand Four Chairs, £77.96 from Ikea.Visit www.ikea.comRESOLUTION: I will organisemy time more effectively

CUT PRICE STYLE: Ginka Double Duvet Set, £24, Tesco(www.tesco.com / 0845 600 4411), inset, Rooster Alarm Clock,£18, Aspace (www.aspace.co.uk / 0845 872 2400)

Saturday, January 1, 2011 PROPERTY 5★★★★

for yourhome

MORE GREAT LOCAL DEALS

SOLUTION: Custom NameChalkboard/Blackboard Wall Sticker,£20 from Spin Collective. Visitwww.spincollective.co.uk or call01242 255 244● For budget homeware ideasand advice on interior trendswhich won’t break the bank, visitwww.homesandbargains.co.uk

DINE IN STYLE: Melltorp/Herman Table and Four Chairs, £77.96, Ikea (www.ikea.com)

GO GREEN: KitchenCompost Bin, £16.95,Beth Stevens(www.bethstevens.co.uk0844 888 9522)

THERE are plenty ofbargains to be had atRapid Liverpool andTaskers the HomeStore, which both nowhave sales on.

Rapid has a threeseater faux leathersofabed reduced from£299 to £149 (incVAT).

Taskers has thisbeautiful Nero diningset down from £1,999 to£899.99.

▲

▲

.co.uk

Fox Street, LiverpooL L3 3Jr (Corner of fox Street, St Anne Street And GreAt Homer Street) • teLephone: 0151 298 1600 Or shop online at litecraft.co.uk

VAT FREE ZONESAVE UP TO 75% OFF HIGH STREET PRICES PLUS WE ARE A NEW

EXTRA 20% VAT WILL BE TAKEN OFF AT THE TILLThe largest and finest lighting store in Liverpool

PROPERTY Saturday, January 1, 20116 ★★★★

AskTheExpert

HHooww ttoo......SSpprruucceeuuppyyoouurrhhoommee ffoorr tthheenneewwyyeeaarr

DIYNews

GUIDE ... tohome improvement

If there's one thing thathas to be done at this

time of year, it's hittingthe sales – expect a lotof decorating and homeimprovement bargainsfrom DIY stores and

websites

SSeeaassoonnaall TTaasskk

BATHING BEAUTY: B&Q is offering big discounts on theNarissa bathroom suite by Cooke & Lewis from B&Q

ROLL UP: The newPerfect Cover rollerfrom Dulux

● RAPID’s sale has alreadystarted with savings of up to

70% on certain lines. You can alsobuy now and pay as late as 2012 onselected bathrooms, kitchens andbedrooms.

● TASKERS the HomeStore is offering savings

of up to 50% on many of itslines in homeware, kitchensand bathrooms.

● DIY chain B&Q has alreadystarted its biggest and earliest

’January’ sale. You’ll find up to 60%off all kitchen door and drawerfronts and Cooke & Lewisbathroom suites, showerenclosures and modular bedroomdoor and drawer fronts, with anextra 15% off the entire purchasewhen you buy kitchen cabinets,worktops, tiles, flooring andappliances (minimum £50 spend).

You’ll also find 50% off selectedindoor lighting, 50% off allcarpets and more than 50% offselected power and handtools. See the offers atwww.diy.com.

● DULUX haslaunched a new range

of paint rollers calledPerfect Cover.

You may think that aroller's just a roller, butthese have clever features

to make painting easier.The handles are rubberised

to help prevent sore fingers,and the micropile fabricsleeves are super-soft andproduce a great finish. If you've

ever cleaned a roller sleeve,you'll know that it takes a lotof time and effort, but the 9inmedium-pile roller – thePerfect Cover star player – hasa built-in plastic squeegee.

Prices start at £5.99 for anEasy Reach Mini Roller(radiator roller and twosleeves) and they are availablefrom Focus DIY andHomebase. Seewww.dulux.co.uk or call thecustomer advice line on 0870444 1111.

Q Is it a good idea to decoratewith wall stickers, or do I riskdamaging the walls when Iremove the stickers?A Most wall stickers are designedto be removed withoutdamaging the paintwork, but

there’s still a risk. If you’re worriedabout this, the safest thing to do isto put them on your windowsand glazed or melamine doors,.John Lewis does a range of festivewindow stickers for £7.99 a pack.Visit www.johnlewis.com.

● Is your front door lettingyou down? It’s the first thingthat visitors see, and hanging aholly wreath on it won’tnecessarily smarten it up. Youprobably don’t have time to doa proper revamp, but youshould be able to do a quickcoat of paint, or at least touchup the parts of the door thatneed it, providing you usequick-drying wood and metalpaint.● If your wall-tile grout iswhite, it can easily bediscoloured by things likeshampoo and cooking splashesand even water, if you live in ahard-water area. Givediscoloured grout a good scrubwith grout-cleaner spray and ifthat doesn’t work, use a groutpen to refresh it (apply whenthe grout’s dry). This is theeasiest and quickest way towhiten grout.● Got marks on your woodenworktops? If cleaning doesn’tremove them, sand them offwith sandpaper or an electricsander, clean with a clothdampened with white spiritand then apply wood oilsuitable for worktops. It’simportant to protect theworktop before using it again,so only start this job if you’vegot time to do enough coats ofoil (see the manufacturer’sinstructions for drying andrecoating times). You can testthe worktop by splashing a fewdrops of water on it – if they siton the surface as beads, you’veapplied enough oil.● Wipe off any marks on yourwalls and woodwork – doorframes get particularly grubby.Marks that remain should bepainted over – make sure youuse quick-drying wood andmetal paint on woodwork forspeed (and fewer fumes). Ifyour woodwork’s chipped orcracked, you need to fill it withwood filler and then sand,clean and paint the filler whenit’s dry. Wood filler sets quitequickly, but if you don’t havetime, you could just paint overthe problem and deal with itproperly in the new year.● Cracked kitchen orbathroom silicone sealant notonly looks bad, it’s also notdoing its job properly becauseit could let water in where youdon’t want it. Ideally, you needto remove the sealant and startagain, but if your guests arearriving soon, you could justapply quick-drying sealantover what’s already there.

THE LEATHER MILL

THE LEATHER MILL43 Mill Lane, West Derby Village, LiverpoolTelephone: 256 6939OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKMon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Thurs open till 7pm

First come, first served...Don’t miss out Order for Guaranteed Christmas Delivery

from £599

SAVE £100s OF POUNDS. DON'TBUY UNTIL YOU HAVE VISITED

Over 200 Leather Suites in every colour,style and combination must be cleared.

Cancelled orders, named brands 3 seater plus 2 seater

The Deborah Suite is

available in various colours,

is all leather and a full suite is

£899 Bargain.

SPECIAL OFFER3 & 2 Seater, fabric ONLY £599

Saturday, January 1, 2011 PROPERTY 7★★★★

by JANET TANSLEY

HOMEof theWeek

Lost inspace

FULLY FITTED: The high spec kitchenSPACIOUS: The lounge has Amticoflooring

ONE of the main things you lookfor in a family home is space -and this one in West Derby hasgot bags of it. A well presentedfour bedroom detached house, it

has everything you would want in a modernhome: double glazed windows and centralheating, fitted kitchen and conservatory.

But to make it even more attractive, thegarage has been converted to create an extrraliving space for you and your family.

Much of the house is flooring with Amticoflooring, from the entrance porch, to the hall,the dining room, kitchen and the garagecoversion - which makes it look fresh, cleanand elegant.

Even the lounge has Amtico flooring whichmeans it looks luxurious and is practical too.

The dining room has double doors leadingto the conservatory.

The spacious kitchen, which has doubleglazed french style doors to the rear, has abespoke central heating radiator. There is arange of wall and base units with graniteworktop surfaces and a breakfast bar, a builtin double oven and microwave, dishwasher,washing machine and dryer, ceramic hob,

and it is plumbed for an American-stylefridge freezer.

On the first floor is the family bathroomwith a central heating towel rail, a panelledbath and overhead shower, pedestal handwash basin and low level wc. The walls aretiled.

The main bedroom has an ensuite showerroom with central heating towel rail, step inshower, low level wc and pedestal hand washbasin.

Bedrooms two and three also have fittedwardrobes.

The rear garden is laid to lawn, with twinlevel patio areas, one paved and one blockpaved. And there are planted borders withshrubs and trees.

The front garden is also laid to lawn, withestablished borders with shrubs and tree.There is off road parking.

The property is for sale at £209,950 withSutton Kersh. For more details contact themon 0151 256 7837 or log ontowww.suttonkersh.co.uk

by JANET TANSLEY

ATTRACTIVE BUY: 20 Woodvale Road, West Derby is for sale with Sutton Kersh at £209,950

PROPERTY Saturday, January 1, 20118 ★★★★

HOTGUIDE ... tooutside

Keephouseplants

Whattodointhegardenthisweek

byHANNAH STEPHENSON

● Check that fuchsias packedin compost for the winter donot become completely dry andprotect the crowns of hardyfuchsias outdoors with gardencompost.● Open greenhouseventilators on sunny days butclose them early in theafternoon before thetemperature drops.● Check plants in thegreenhouse, in cold frames and

under cloches to see if theyneed watering.● Check over all crops instore and remove any whichshow signs of rotting.● Enrich soil with compostwhere beans are to be grown,if weather permits.● Use cloches to protectalpine plants from damage bywinter cold and rain.● Take cuttings fromgreenhouse chrysanthemums.

● Plant lilies in patio pots,keeping them in thegreenhouse to develop.● Avoid pruning fruit trees ifthey are covered in frost.● Take root cuttings fromoriental poppies, acanthus,verbascum, Primula denticulataand Phlox paniculata.● Make a polythene tent tostop rain falling on wall-trainedpeaches and reduce attack bypeach leaf curl.

IF YOU’RE one of those people who justhas to look at a Christmas pot plant forits leaves to start wilting, perhaps it’stime to consider whether you might bekilling it with kindness.

So many of our Christmas favourites,including poinsettias, forced bulbs andcyclamen, hate being overwatered or placednear radiators or in draughts. A little thoughtabout where you place your plant can go along way.

Many festive plants, including indoorazaleas, pot chrysanthemums and cyclamenare virtually hardy and are happiest in a coolroom such as a porch, cold hallway or in anunheated conservatory. Most, apart from theChristmas azalea, can be watered once everyfew days, so that the compost doesn’t dry outbut isn’t sodden either. The azalea, however,can be watered daily to keep the rootballmoist. Stand it in a bowl of water for 20minutes, then tip awaythe excess water.

Cineraria andcalceolaria also prefercool conditions such asan enclosed porch. Asthey are annuals,they’re better placed inan area you want tobrighten up during thefestive season ratherthan risk placing amuch-loved permanentspecimen there.

Poinsettias, thetraditional plants ofChristmas, come inother colours apart fromred, including salmonpink and cream. Theyshould thrive in brightfiltered light, ideally ina bright living room, butdon’t put them in directsunshine or they maywilt, and all hatedraughts. Again, don’toverwater them. Wait until the leaves showsigns of wilting and then give the compost agood soak, but don’t allow the plant to standin water for any length of time.

Cyclamen, which come in a wide range ofcolours, like cool conditions and will flowerlonger at temperatures around 13-18C. Waituntil the leaves just start to wilt beforewatering and always water from below, bystanding in a deep saucer of water for a fewminutes before allowing to drain.

Forced bulbs are popular during the festiveseason, particularly hyacinths, whosefragrance can fill a room, as well as brightand cheery dwarf narcissi and bold, brassyhippeastrum.

They are easy to maintain indoors as youcan just treat them like annuals and throwthem away afterwards because if they’ve beenforced, they won’t make much of an impact ifyou replant them in the garden.

If you’ve forced your own, as soon as thebuds have grown and are about to show theirreal colour bring them indoors. If you do ittoo early they may produce inferior flowerson short, stunted stems.

For me, among the best value-for-moneyhouseplants which look elegant for manymonths of the year are orchids. Those whoare under the impression that they aredifficult should think again.

Price has often been an issue, but in recentyears the price of orchids has come down andin the new year there are likely to be specialoffers on spectacular ones. Phalaenopsis, the

moth orchid, can repeat-flower virtually allyear, its arching spikes producing gracefulflowers in shades of pink and white.

They need a steady temperature of around16-21C (60-70F) and high humidity. Minethrive on my kitchen windowsill and I amconvinced the steam from the nearby kettlegives them as much humidity as they need,although you can stand the pot on a dish of

damp pebbles to provide the humidity.You must never overwater orchids. Give

them a good soak once a week from below,dunking them in a bowl of water for 20minutes and then placing them on a drainingboard for the same amount of time.

Hopefully, if you give your houseplants thecare they need, they should be flowering wellinto the new year.

WINTER WONDERS: The right conditions keep your Orchid Phalaenopsis looking its best and inset, a white hyacinth

1Add grit or sand to heavy, claysoil to help improve thedrainage.

2Dig plenty of organic mattersuch as compost or well-rottedmanure into sandy soils to bulkthem up and improve theirnutrients. Water sandy soil well

in the summer as it does not retainmoisture as well as heavier soil.

3If you have extremely acidic

soil add lime or chalk to it fromtime to time to neutralise theacidity and give you morechance of success with a wider

range of plants.

Threewaysto ...improveyoursoil

Saturday, January 1, 2011 PROPERTY 9★★★★

at theirbest

Bestof theBunchSolanum(Wintercherry)

GoodenoughtoeatParsnips

THESE bright berried houseplants are awelcoming sight at Christmas, their darkgreen leaves acting as a perfect foil to theorange-red berries which will remain on theplant for months if kept in a cool place.

S capsicastrum is sold everywhere atChristmas and there are several varietiessuch as Cherry Ripe, which has bright redberries, and variegatum, with cream-splashedleaves. Place the plants in a cool spot in brightlight with some direct sun and keep moist atall times, misting leaves frequently.

Don’t let children near the berries, whichcan be poisonous. With luck, the plant shouldlast until February. If the leaves drop early, it’slikely to be due to overwatering, whiledropping berries might mean insufficient lightor hot, dry air.

WHETHER you like them dipped in maple syrupand then roasted, or coated in freshly gratedParmesan, or simply mashed with butter andpepper, parsnips are among the winter staplesyou shouldn’t be without – and you can havethem from summer onwards as a baby vegetable.

Parsnips need deeply dug, fertile soil, slightlyon the acid side, with few stones unless youwant odd-shaped roots. Ideally, they shouldfollow a previous crop that has been wellmanured rather than adding the manure whenyou plant them.

Sow seed directly into the ground in April,in drills 1cm deep and 30cm apart. Sow severalseeds at 15cm intervals to limit the amount ofthinning later.

Seedlings will be slow to appear and can’tcompete with weeds, so hoe between rowsregularly and water well until the young plantsare established, making sure the soil doesn’tdry out in consistently hot weather.

By August you should be harvesting babyparsnips when the top of the root is between1.5cm and 5cm deep. Start harvesting winterparsnips when the tops have died down and liftthem for storing under cover. Alternatively,leave in the ground until you need them, butharvest enough to keep you going before theground has completely frozen and theybecome difficult to lift. Good varieties include’Tender & True’ and ’Avonresister’.

TRADITIONAL: A poinsettiaplant at Christmas

AccommodationTo LetT R Y U S F I R S T W e b u y

property/ land. 07976 693731

I WILL BUY YOUR HOUSELocal, friendly service. CallChris: 08000 811 813 (24hrs)

Property Wanted

HomesECHO

FOURTH AVE L9 2 bed terr,unfurn, CH, new decor £110pw.Tel: 07989 560845.

L11 3 bed house, fully furn, depreq’d £90 pw. 07793 369907or 07878 945016

SAY YOU SAWIT IN THE ECHO

PROPERTY Saturday, January 1, 201110 ★★★★

CHOICEAgents’ Lettings

Woolton, £1,000pcmSET within a luxurious gateddevelopment, this second floor apartmentoffers spacious accommodation which hasbeen finished to a high specification.

The apartment has lift access andinside comprises a self-containedentrance hall, a fabulous open plan loungewhich has a separate dining area and afully fitted kitchen with appliances.

The two well-proportioned bedroomsboth have fitted wardrobes and the masterbedroom benefits from en-suite facilities.

The property also comes with off-roadparking, an allocated garage and a secureintercom system.

The apartment is offered for rent on apart-furnished basis.● Whitegates, 0151 428 1357

MossleyHill, £1,000pcmOFFERED for rent on a part-furnishedbasis, this four bedroom semi-detachedproperty is located within a popularresidential area.

Outside, there are gardens and a patioarea to the rear, plus a driveway offeringample off-road parking and an integratedgarage.

Inside, there is an entrance hall, threewell-proportioned reception rooms and adelightful fully fitted kitchen withintegrated appliances.

Upstairs, there are four good-sizedbedrooms and a principal familybathroom with a bath and a shower.

The property also benefits from gascentral heating and double glazing.● Entwistle Green, 0151 734 2220

WestDerby, £995pcmFORMING part of a delightful convertedVictorian mansion, this two bedroomduplex apartment boasts a wealth oftraditional features.

Inside, a grand entrance hall givesaccess to the apartment, which includes areception hall, an impressive loungewhich has the original sash windows andhigh ceilings and an excellent kitchen/dining room which is fitted with a rangeof white high gloss units, black granitework surfaces, integrated appliances anda breakfast island.

The master bedroom has a luxuryen-suite shower room and there is asecond bedroom and a modern bathroom.

The property stands in generousgrounds and comes with parking.● Logic Estates, 0151 920 2404

Allerton, £895pcmSTANDING on a substantial plot, thisattractive semi-detached property has anextensive paved driveway to the frontproviding ample off-road parking, anddelightful gardens to the rear.

Inside, the property has beensympathetically refurbished, is doubleglazed and has gas central heating.

On the ground floor, there is anentrance hall, a lounge which has afireplace and a separate dining room.

The impressive fully fitted kitchen isnewly installed and houses a goodselection of integrated appliances.

Upstairs there are two double and twosingle bedrooms plus a newly fittedmodern family bathroom.● Sutton Kersh, 0151 207 5923

Waterloo£525pcmSET within the sought-after location ofWaterloo, this two bedroom ground floorapartment is situated within a gateddevelopment.

Inside, the apartment has a self-contained entrance hall which opens intoa fabulous open plan lounge/kitchen/dining room. The kitchen is fully fittedwith a comprehensive range of units,complementary work surfaces and a goodselection of appliances.

There are two well-proportionedbedrooms and a modern family bathroom.

The apartment also benefits from gascentral heating and double glazingthroughout.

Outside, there are delightful landscapedgardens and ample off-road parking.● PLA Lettings, 0151 928 7731

OldSwan,£795pcmLOCATED within a sought-afterresidential area, this three bedroomdetached property is well situated for agood range of local amenities.

Inside on the ground floor, there is anentrance hall, an extended lounge and anextensive fully fitted kitchen/diner.

A wc and utility room complete theground floor.

To the first floor there are three doublebedrooms, with the master bedroomhaving the benefit of a luxurious en-suiteshower room, and to finish the property,there is a modern family bathroom.

The property also benefits from havingdouble glazing and gas central heating.

There are front and rear gardens, anattached garage and a driveway.● PLA Lettings, 0151 525 5785

Woolton, £1,100pcmPART of a luxurious gated development,this two bedroom apartment offerssumptuous and spacious accommodation.

In the grounds there is secure gatedparking, and entry to the building isthrough a secure entry system.

Inside, the apartment has a delightfulself-contained entrance hall, a fantasticopen plan lounge and dining room.

The kitchen is fitted to a highspecification and includes a goodselection of units, complementary worksurfaces and integrated appliances.

The master bedroom has access to animpressive balcony and benefits from anen-suite shower room.

There is a second bedroom and aluxury bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath.● Davis Beyga Estates, 0845 834 0388

NewBrighton, £500pcmONLY a short stroll from the promenadeand close to rail links to Liverpool, thissplendid block of apartments is set in alarge plot.

All five apartments have beenconverted to a high standard and benefitfrom central heating, double glazing,parking bays, alarms, newly-fittedkitchens and bathrooms and aredecorated to a very high standard.

Inside comprises a communal hallwayand stairs to apartment four. Theapartment comprises an entrance hall, akitchen with integrated appliances, twobedrooms, a bathroom and a lounge.

Externally, there is ample off-roadparking and communal gardens.● The Property Centre, 0151 639 7500

Saturday, January 1, 2011 PROPERTY 11★★★★

CHOICEAgents’ Liverpool

Aigburth, £285,000SET in the heart of the sought-aftersuburb of Aigburth, this beautiful andwell-presented semi-detached propertyoffers good-sized family accommodation.

On the ground floor, there is anentrance hall, two reception rooms and aconservatory which has French doorsleading outside.

To complete this floor there is a fullyfitted kitchen, which has a separatedining area.

To the first floor are three bedroomsand a family bathroom, while to thesecond floor there is a fourth bedroom.

Outside, to the front there is a gardenwith a driveway, and to the rear there is agarden and a garage.● Venmores, 0151 733 9000

Wavertree, £183,000OFFERING delightfully presentedaccommodation, this terraced property isGrade II listed.

Inside, there is a reception hallway, afront lounge, a rear dining room and arecently re-fitted kitchen.

To the first floor there are threebedrooms and a recently re-fitted familybathroom.

This property also has a cellar, which isaccessed from the hallway.

Outside is a front garden with on-roadparking, while to the rear there is awell-maintained yard.

This property is offered for sale withthe benefit of no ongoing chain.● Venmores, 0151 733 9000

Allerton, £225,000RECENTLY modernised to a highstandard, this semi-detached property isoffered for sale with no ongoing chain,and part-exchange would be considered.

On the ground floor is a hall, a loungewhich has a feature stone fireplace, asitting room with French doors leadingout to the gardens and an attractivere-equipped modern kitchen completewith a range of integrated appliances.

A stunning newly fitted conservatorywith access to the gardens at the rearcompletes the ground floor.

Upstairs, there are three well-proportioned bedrooms, with the masterbedroom and guest bedroom both havingfitted bedroom furniture. A refittedbathroom finishes the property

Outside, there is a block paved drivewayto the front and gardens to front and rear.● Sutton Kersh, 0151 734 0666

Garston, £149,950CONVENIENTLY located within a goodrange of facilities and amenities, thisthree bedroom semi-detached propertyoffers ideal accommodation for a family.

Externally there are gardens front andrear, plus a driveway providing off-roadparking.

Inside is an entrance hall, a downstairswc, a spacious lounge and a fully fitteddining room/kitchen.

To complete the ground floor, there is aconservatory which has French doorsleading out to the gardens.

On the upper floor there are three good-sized bedrooms and a modern familybathroom.

Additional benefits include gas centralheating and double glazing throughout.● Entwistle Green, 0151 734 2220

Fazakerley, £120,000ENJOYING a popular residential location,this semi-detached property benefits fromno ongoing chain.

Outside, there is a driveway offeringample off-road parking and an integratedgarage to the front, as well as delightfulgardens to the front and the rear.

The ground floor briefly comprises anentrance hall, a good-sized lounge whichhas a separate dining area, and a fullyfitted kitchen.

To the first floor, leading off from thelanding there are three well-proportionedbedrooms, a separate wc and a familybathroom.

The property further benefits from gascentral heating and double glazing.● Entwistle Green, 0151 525 9050

Anfield, £239,950OFFERING a superb investmentopportunity, this attractive end terracedproperty has been converted into fourself-contained apartments.

In the basement there is an apartmentcomprising a lounge, a bathroom, akitchen and a bedroom, while on theground floor there is a shower room, akitchen and a bedroom.

To the first floor, there is an apartmentwhich includes a lounge, a kitchen, abathroom and two bedrooms, and on thetop floor there is a one bedroomapartment comprising a lounge, akitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom.

Outside there are paved areas both tothe front and to the rear.● Farrell Heyworth, 0151 281 8181

Woolton, £179,950SET in the enduringly popular area ofWoolton, this two bedroom true bungalowoffers well-presented and surprisinglyspacious accommodation.

The property stands on a substantialplot which includes off-road parking for anumber of vehicles, a detached garageand delightful gardens to the rear withlawns and a good-sized paved patio area.

On entering the property, there is anentrance hall which leads into the well-proportioned lounge which comescomplete with a feature marble fireplace.

The kitchen is fitted with a good rangeof units, complementary work surfacesand integrated appliances.

The master bedroom has fittedwardrobes and the guest bedroom hasattractive patio doors which open outonto the gardens.

A bathroom completes the property.● Sutton Kersh, 0151 734 0666

Dingle, £84,950SET in a popular area, this delightfulproperty has recently undergone anextensive programme of refurbishmentand modernisation.

Inside, there is an entrance hall withattractive laminate flooring, a good-sizedlounge which has a fireplace, and aseparate dining room with French doors.

To complete the ground floor there is anewly fitted, high specification kitchencomplete with a good range of units,complementary work surfaces andintegrated appliances.

Moving upstairs, there are three well-proportioned bedrooms and a modernfamily bathroom.

Outside is a spacious yard to the rear,and the property further benefits fromdouble glazing and gas central heating.● Davis Beyga Estates, 0845 834 0388

PROPERTY Saturday, January 1, 201112 ★★★★

CHOICEAgents’ acrossMerseyside

Heswall £499,950WITHIN easy reach of shopping facilitiesand popular schools, this dormerbungalow has beautiful gardens, adriveway providing ample off-roadparking and a double garage.

Inside there is a porch, an entrancehall, a cloakroom/wc, a formal diningroom and a well-proportioned lounge anda games room.

Plus there is a utility room, astudy/bedroom five and a familybathroom.

There is also a large breakfast kitchenboasting a good range of units and worktops and integrated appliances.

Upstairs there is a landing, a modernbathroom and four bedrooms all of a goodsize.● Karl Tatler, 0151 342 2300

Skelmersdale,£164,950

REDUCED in price to encourage a quicksale, this detached two bedroom bungalowbenefits from gas central heating.

Inside, the entrance hall gives access toa lounge, a fully fitted breakfast kitchenand a utility room.

The inner hallway leads to a masterbedroom with an en- suite shower room,plus there is a second bedroom and amain family bathroom.

Outside the driveway provides space foroff-road parking and there is a garage andgood-sized garden plot, mainly laid tolawn, to the rear.

An early inspection is recommended.● Farrell Heyworth, 01695 570 075

Burscough,£149,950AVAILABLE with the benefit of noongoing chain, this traditionalend-terraced house has two bedrooms..

On the ground floor, the reception hallleads to a lounge and a formal diningroom. The dining kitchen is fitted with agood range of units and complementarywork surfaces.

A third reception room andcloakroom/wc complete the ground floor.

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and abathroom. There is also a boarded loftwith ladder.

Outside, there is a rear yard andgarden.● Moving Works, 01704 897 647

Formby,£280,000BEING offered for sale with no ongoingchain, this executive detached propertyoffers spacious accommodation.

On the ground floor, the lounge has afeature fireplace and sliding patio doorsopening out onto the garden.

The kitchen includes a good selection ofunits, matching work surfaces and animpressive range of appliances and thereis also a separate dining room.

Upstairs there are four wellproportioned bedrooms, a modern familybathroom and a separate wc.

Outside, the property has a driveway, agarage and gardens.● Reeds Rains, 01704 878 545

Hightown,£POASITUATED in a popular residential area,this property offers good sized familyaccommodation.

On the ground floor, there is anentrance hall, a well-proportioned livingroom and an elegant dining room.

The fitted kitchen incorporates a goodselection of units, contrasting work topsand integrated appliances and there is anattractive conservatory with French doorsand a utility room.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms, afamily bathroom and a wc.

Externally, the property has a driveway,garage and gardens.● Entwistle Green, 01704 831 755

Thingwall, £525,000SITUATED in a quiet location, thisexecutive house stands on an impressiveplot with a driveway offering ampleoff-road parking, a double garage anddelightful gardens to the front and rear.

Inside, the ground floor comprises arecessed porch, a reception hall, a loungewith a feature fireplace and a formaldining room.

There is also a family room, acloakroom, a downstairs wc, aconservatory and a utility room. Inaddition, there is a stunning breakfastkitchen.

Upstairs there is a modern familybathroom and five bedrooms includingthe master suite which has a separatedressing room and an en-suite bathroom.● Reeds Rains, 0151 342 6386

Moreton,£137,500CLOSE to amenities and transport links,this three bedroom house has no ongoingchain and benefits from off-road parkingto the front and delightful gardens.

On the ground floor, there is anentrance hallway, a lounge with a featurebay window and a decorative fireplaceand a formal dining room.

There is also a conservatory withFrench doors leading outside and a newlyfitted kitchen complete with integratedappliances.

Also on the ground floor, the integratedgarage has been converted into a gym.

The first floor has three good sizedbedrooms, two of which have fittedwardrobes. Plus there is a modern familybathroom.● Karl Tatler, 0151 678 4300

Brimstage,£575,000SET amongst countryside in a semi-rurallocation, this detached, four bedroomproperty benefits from panoramic,far-reaching views.

Inside, there is a reception hall, acloakroom/wc, a good sized drawing,room, a cosy sitting room, a formal diningroom and an impressive conservatory.

There is also a stylish L-shapedkitchen/breakfast room which is fullyfitted.

To the first floor, there are four wellproportioned bedrooms and a familybathroom.

Outside, there is a block paveddriveway and a forecourt which leads to adetached two/three car garage as well asgardens to the rear.● Jones & Chapman, 0151 342 6262