OUR HOUSE ISSUE THREE
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Welcome to the Freeman Homes Newsletter
2016 is an exciting year for the company with our 50 year celebrations. And we are keen to share our celebrations with you, so keep an eye out for lots of exciting events, activities and prizes for our loyal customers over the remainder of the year. Our new developments have continued to be well-received. The pre-launch event for The Orchard at Staunton saw 2 plots being reserved and we anticipate the remaining 5 plots will be snapped up after the full show home launch, due to be held early April. Phase 3 at Woodland View has also been popular with buyers and the new Longford show home has been getting wonderful feedback. We have new sites in the pipeline and are excited to release further details on these developments later on in the year. We were very proud to have won a host of accolades in the latter part of 2015, including Best Development for The Avenue at the WhatHouse? Awards. We will be keeping up the hard work to ensure 2016 is just as successful. We hope you enjoy issue three of Our House.
Luke Freeman Joint Chief Executive
Contents Page 2. Welcome to our Newsletter Page 3. How to apply for a mortgage Page 4. Buy to let Page 5. The Orchard Page 6. MFF 50 years
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Page 7. MFF 50 years Page 8. Freeman Homes Page 9. Freeman Homes Page 10. WhatHouse? Award win Page 11. Garden design feature Page 12. Customer 50 year celebrations
HOW TO APPLY FOR A MORTGAGE Here are 5 things to know before you make your mortgage application:
1. Make sure you get advice
Take advice from a financial adviser, mortgage broker or even the bank or building society you are applying to direct. If you are applying for a mortgage online or by post, you will still need to demonstrate you understand the process and the mortgage deal.
2. It takes time!
Getting a mortgage isn’t a quick process. Mortgages are sold on an ‘advised’ basis, which involves a face-to-face or telephone interview and can take two or more hours. You will then need to wait for a mortgage in principle and a lenders valuation of your property.
3.Your finances will be scrutinised
Lenders require a detailed assessment of whether your mortgage is affordable both now and in the future. This means that ALL of your monthly expenses, not just household bills, will be gone through with a fine-toothed comb.
4.The amount you can borrow could be capped
As lenders are required to ask more probing questions about what you spend each month, the cash left over to fund your monthly mortgage repayments may be less than you'd hoped. The impact of this could simply mean you are offered a lower sum of cash.
5. Interest-only mortgages are niche
Interest-only mortgages, whilst still available, are very rare. You will be required to show proof of a full plan of how you will repay the capital when the loan matures and be called on at least once during the interest-only period to give an update of how this is going.
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BUY-TO-LET PROPERTIES HIT WITH NEW COSTS From April 2016, landlords will incur an extra 3% stamp duty charge on all new purchases. The change, which aims to free up housing for buyers, will add thousands to buy-to-let property transactions. For example, anyone buying a £200,000 second home or buy to let before April pays stamp duty of £1,500. (This is based on paying zero per cent on the first £125,000 of the property value and 2 per cent on the portion between £125,001 and £250,000). But from April, landlords will have to pay 3% for the first £125,000 and 5% instead of 2% on the amount between £125,001 and £250,000. This gives them a total bill of £7,500. So a landlord would end up paying five times more than a private purchaser in this example.
Who will be affected? Anyone owning a second property that isn't their main residence and buying another, or replacing the one they don't live in, is likely to get caught up in the changes. This means if you already own a portfolio of buy-to-let properties, or have a second home, but plan to buy yourself a new home to live in and sell your old one then you will not have to pay the extra stamp duty. The higher rates will only apply to additional properties purchased in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are some types of property that won't fall under the stamp duty charges. These include caravans and houseboats, properties worth less than £40,000, social landlords and multiple purchases from companies.
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FEATURED DEVELOPMENT LD ING SO N 2 AI M RE
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The Orchard
THE ORCHARD – RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN! This exclusive development offers only 7 executive 4 bedroom detached homes, for those who desire a countryside location but with an easy commute to local amenities. All of the high quality traditional properties have spacious, thoughtful and well planned living spaces that are ideal for family living. The houses benefit from private gardens and driveways with a garage or carport, as well as energy saving technology such as Air Source Heat Pump heating systems. Nestled in the beautiful rural landscape of Gloucestershire, the desirable village of Staunton is right on the border of England and Wales. You can enjoy breathtaking views over the Forest and Welsh mountains. The village benefits from a pub and a shop and is only 2 miles from the market town of Coleford and 4 miles from the thriving town of Monmouth. Be one of the first to reserve at this beautiful new development. For more information please call us on 0800 3047800 or email us on sales@theorchardstaunton.co.uk www.theorchardstaunton.co.uk The Orchard, Staunton, GL16 8PA
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LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS MF FREEMAN GROUP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS! Launched in 1966 by a husband and wife team from their living room in Ruardean, the MF Freeman Group now proudly employs over 100 employees, across 8 divisions (which includes Freeman Homes) and is getting ready to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. As the company start its 50th year MF Freeman reflect on the past and how the company has grown into the successful award winning business it is today. Having started in a small office with only two employees, it has expanded to welcome more and more colleagues into the family. And a family is what this company is and where its values stem from. The company values represent what is important to the company and the businesses history, one of these is valuing the individual and treating them with respect and recognising their achievements. Over the last 50 years MF Freeman and its divisions have built up an enviable reputation of quality and excellence with its current customers. One purchaser commented: I had looked at a lot of houses before I found my Freeman Home. I loved the way it was laid out – it was obvious that a lot of care and attention had been given to both the design and build, the fittings and appliances are all high quality and quite superb, I would happily recommend Freeman Homes to others.
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MF Freeman are continually looking to the future and developing their staff, having recently employed two new apprentices to train and grow in the business. Luke Freeman, Joint Chief Executive, says: As we reach a great milestone in our company it is time to take a look at the next 50 years and invest in the future. We have grown tremendously in recent years. This was achieved by the hard work of our people and the commitment they have to our company. We are keen to invest in our young people and to give them the opportunity to develop and hone their skills and hope they will choose to progress into a long-term career with MF Freeman. We have the right team in place and a strong development pipeline and we are all excited about our next 50 years and the things we will achieve.
Plant Hire & Contracting
Farm
Freeman Homes & Freeman Commercial
Bishopswood Estate
Freeman Leisure, Bishopswood House & The Mill Race
Freeman Retirement Living
Celebrating 50 years of continued success throughout our divisions
YEARS
7 1966
1978
1999
2003
2005
2009
2016
RE LAS T M 2 AI NI NG
NO PH A W RE SE LE 3 AS ED
FANCY A NEW HOME?
WOODLAND VIEW - MITCHELDEAN
THE CHASE DALES - ROSS-ON-WYE
We have recently launched phase 3 of this development which includes a range of contemporary style 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. Positioned on the northern fringe of the Royal Forest of Dean, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woodland View offers 50 fabulous homes.
Offered exclusively to people over 55, the development comprises of 7 new build homes, 4 converted apartments and 1 coach house, all set in beautiful landscaped gardens.
With a mixture of contemporary and traditional style homes, many finished in beautiful Cotswold stone, this development will appeal to families looking for large living accommodation, retirees wanting an easy to manage and maintain home as well professional couples looking for contemporary living in a semirural but accessible location. Each of the new homes has been designed and finished to a very high standard to provide exceptional comfort and flexibility. Large living areas, modern well equipped kitchens fitted with high quality appliances, comfortable bedrooms and well-planned bathrooms will make these homes a special place to live for you and your family. Beautiful 3, 4 & 5 bed homes from ÂŁ220,000. Sales office and show home open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4.30pm (Sunday 10am to 4pm). To find out more about this development, call 01594 544271 or visit our website www.woodlandview.info
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Located only minutes from charming Rosson-Wye town centre, it is the ideal location to access the fantastic local amenities whilst being surrounded by wonderful Herefordshire and Wye Valley countryside. Situated in a private gated development, there are large landscaped communal gardens with a summer house which you can enjoy with family, friends and likeminded neighbours. An on-site Estate Manager will be responsible for the general wellbeing and security of the development, including gardening, window cleaning or looking after your property should you be away from your home. Prices from ÂŁ245,000. Sales office and show home is open Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 4.30pm (Sunday 10am to 4pm). To find out more about this development, call 01989 567900 or visit our website www.thechasedales.co.uk
LA HO ST US 2 ES
COMING SOON
THE CLOSE Llangrove
THE AVENUE - ROSS -ON-WYE
THE CLOSE - LLANGROVE, HR9
Arguably one of the most desirable areas of Ross-on-Wye, it is rare for a new development like The Avenue to come onto the market.
A small and contemporary development of only 6 new homes coming soon to the rural village of Llangrove, only 7 miles from Ross-on-Wye.
Each of the 9 boutique homes have superbly well-appointed and planned interiors creating the ultimate in luxurious urban living. The lodges and houses all have private gardens, while the apartments can enjoy the beautifully landscaped communal grounds.
With over 2,300 square feet of luxurious living space available arranged over 3 floors, these detached properties will benefit from 4 bedrooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Each of the 4 houses have been designed to bring the outside in allowing optimum use of the garden space for living and entertaining. Life at The Avenue could be extra-ordinary. Sales office and show home open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4.30pm (Sunday 10am to 4pm). For more information or to make an appointment please call us on 01989 563602 or visit www.theavenueross.co.uk
Due for launch in summer 2016, be the first to hear about this new development by registering your interest now. To register please email us your contact details to marketing@mffreeman.co.uk or call us on 01594 543354.
Register your interest now!
Would you like to have £1000 in vouchers of your choice? Refer a friend to one of our developments and you could earn yourself £1000 of Vouchers! If you feel you know someone who would be interested in one of our properties we would love to hear from them. Refer a friend and we will give you £1000 of vouchers to spend in a retailer of your choice.* Send us their name, address and contact number along with your own and if they go on to purchase a new home from us then we’ll be in contact to make sure you receive your vouchers!
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*Terms and conditions apply. Please see website for details. Please obtain permission from friend before making the referral.
WINNERS OF THE BEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE WHATHOUSE? AWARDS Handpicked as one of the best out of hundreds of entries for the 2015 Best Development in the WhatHouse? Awards, Freeman Homes’ The Avenue in Ross-on-Wye, has won the bronze award. The WhatHouse? Awards, is the largest and most prestigious awards event in the UK housebuilding industry. The judging panel were impressed with the small but exciting development, located in the desirable Ross-on-Wye. They congratulated Freeman Homes on an innovative, quality development. Rupert Bates, host of the Awards and Editorial Director of new homes portal whathouse.com said: The standards achieved by the winners get more impressive every year, and our panel of independent judges had to work hard to pick the very best from hundreds of entries. Congratulations to the winners and everyone who entered and attended today’s ceremony. Luke Freeman, Joint Chief Executive of the MF Freeman Group, including the Freeman Homes division said: “We’re delighted to have received a WhatHouse? Award for our Ross-on-Wye development, The Avenue. We’re very proud to have bought something new and exciting to the market in this area.” This most recent accolade makes a hat trick of awards for our company over the past few months after having been named, the South West regional winner of ‘High Growth Business of the Year’ in the Chamber of Commerce Awards 2015 and “Most Outstanding Construction Entity in Seniors Housing” in the 2015 Globals Over 50’s Housing Healthcare Awards.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG Spring is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate than to get those gardens back blooming like a daisy after the cold harsh winter months. Here are a few tips and tricks to spruce up your garden that is budget and beginner friendly, so get those green fingers out, its time to channel your inner Titchmarsh. If you want to create a lovely stone path but you’re on a strict budget, with a rock form, some concrete and little bit of time and patience, Ta-da! You now have a beautiful stone effect pathway or flower border that looks like the real thing but at a fraction of the cost. Ever wondered how you get your flowers to grow perfectly aligned? Wonder no more. If you drill nails into a piece of wood and place wine corks onto the nail, you can create a dibble which allows for perfect seed planting! Follow us on Pinterest for these ideas and lots more .
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LET US HELP YOU HAVE AN EXTRA SPECIAL 50TH CELEBRATION If you’ve got a 50 year celebration in 2016 then we want to help you celebrate! Whether it be your 50th birthday, wedding anniversary or you’re also a business owner celebrating 50 years in business, we’ll send you something to make it even more special. Please send us your name, address and telephone number, along with information about your celebration to: marketing@mffreeman.co.uk and we’ll be in contact. CONGRATULATIONS!
Keep up to date with us and our all current projects. Facebook www.facebook.com/freemanhomes Twitter @freemangroup Pinterest www.pinterest.com/FreemanHomes Website www.freemanhomes.co.uk.
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Contact us marketing@mffreeman.co.uk 01594 543354